NCJ Number
141714
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 10-12
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
About three years ago, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) embarked on a joint project to study technologies that might benefit the corrections community.
Abstract
The project has had three phases: (1) identification and prioritization of correctional problems that might be addressed through the use of NASA-related technology; (2) review of NASA's present technology base; and (3) selection of appropriate technologies to pursue further. The technology transfer process requires three elements: NASA, the end user, and a commercial manufacturer to produce the spinoff technology. Several projects have been evaluated and selected for development. NASA has already developed a computerized literacy tutor program that could have a positive impact on prison, jail, and community corrections populations. A unique feature of the software is its literacy evaluation capability, which will provide a diagnostic tool to evaluate the literacy level of correctional users. Adaptation of NASA's development of magnetic resonance imaging for contraband detection is being explored by the U.S. Customs Service, while the NIC is currently looking into other, less expensive ways to search for contraband including ultrasound and electric capacitance. With the need for a noninvasive, safe, timely, and inexpensive way to test or screen inmates for drugs in mind, the NIC is looking at NASA's experiments with the optical funduscope, which can evaluate eye, pupil, and retina responses. Another possible drug detection device recently initiated through this project is the telemetered drug use detection system.