Every year, contraband detection at correctional facilities gets more and more challenging as inmates and others become more and more creative.
Not only do the types of contraband brought into facilities continue to change, but the methods in which those items make their way into the facilities become more ingenious as well.
Staying on top of it all requires constant vigilance and using the latest detection technology.
Prisons and other facilities conducting security scanning must use full body scanners, plus other screening techniques in these key areas where it is commonly found.
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Body Searches - Body searches performed with full body scanners are the first line of defense when searching for contraband at correctional facilities. Scanning detection technology has advanced greatly over the past decade, making scanning for contraband faster, easier, safer, and more accurate than it has ever been.
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Cell Searches - It is not unusual for inmates to harbor self-made contraband in their cells, so keeping up with cell searches is essential. Physical searches of areas like behind posters, around door and window frames and other key locations is necessary, as well as putting mattresses through full body scanners to detect items hidden within them.
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Mail Screening - Inmates get more than just letters and pre-approved packages in the mail, as there are many attempts to send forbidden items and contraband this way. Mail may be inspected in various ways including scanning, physical inspection, and K-9 sniffing.
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Drone Drops - The use of drones to smuggle contraband into prison facilities is on the rise. Open yards and other locations where overhead drone drops of contraband can be executed must be carefully monitored.
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Staff Screening - Staff are frequently found providing inmates with contraband, and should therefore be screened regularly using full body scanners and other detection technology just like everyone else. As there is always the possibility of financial gain for bringing in items for inmates, facilities should stay vigilant even with their own staff to keep up with contraband detection.
Contraband will always be an issue at correctional facilities, and so thorough contraband detection using various methods will always be important.
While today’s more sensitive and accurate full body scanners can detect almost anything being brought through the doors, there are other ways that inmates can access different contraband.
Detection technology continues to improve as the years pass, but there is always someone who is one step ahead in finding new, creative ways to get prohibited items inside.