Month: January 1970

Detecting Contraband in Prisons – What Is Contraband?

Keeping prisons safe starts with the utilization of the best detection technology like advanced full body scanners.

Before any type of detection technology for corrections including scanners can be used accurately, the definition of what classifies as contraband must be made.

Without policies that include the definition of contraband and how it must be detected, full body scanning is not as effective as it could be.

What Is Considered Contraband in Corrections Facilities?

In its most basic definition, contraband refers to illicit items that are not allowed within a facility being brought in or out illegally.

The challenge with relying on the basic definition of contraband is that what is prohibited in one facility may not be the same as what is prohibited in another.

While most people have a good idea as to which items are typically considered to be contraband, relying solely on interpretation can open the door for inaccuracies, even using advanced detection technology like full body scanners.

Scanning Is Helpful Only When Contraband Is Explicitly Defined

As useful as full body scanning with today’s more accurate and advanced detection technology may be, it can only be used to its greatest abilities by when the exact definition of contraband according to each specific facility is clearly stated.

In prisons and other correctional facilities, contraband normally refers to items like weapons, illegal drugs, items that could facilitate escape, tobacco, explosives of any kind, and alcohol, the obvious items that most people are aware of.

Other Possible Definitions of Contraband

Depending on the type of facility and the level of security, contraband can also refer to things like aerosol spray cans, medications, smoking accessories, USB storage drives, tattooing equipment, flammable liquids, and other specific and lesser-known items.

Unless there are policies in effect that identify all of these things and detection technology is used to detect all of these items, even the most accurate full body scanning features can still fail to keep a facility safe against contraband due to human inaccuracy.

In Summary

While it is essential that every prison has accurate detection technology for corrections systems in place, that technology cannot actually be protective without a unique definition of what constitutes contraband within that facility where it is being used.

The prime goal at every prison is to keep inmates and staff safe by keeping contraband out.

That can only happen when all staff understands the definition of contraband in their setting and are fully trained on how to use available detection technology to accurately locate those specific items.

Which Is Better? Movers or a DIY Moving Pod?

Pod moving containers have become a popular alternative for DIY moves, as they offer a convenient and affordable moving and storage solution.

In a few situations, these storage and moving containers can make sense over hiring full-service movers.

Yet in other instances, regular moving services can still be a better option, even in those situations when moving dates do not coincide and item storage is required.

Benefits of Moving Pods

Why choose a moving pod?

The biggest benefit that moving containers offer is time, as those preparing for local moves can gradually pack their belongings and put them in the pod over days or weeks until it is finally filled up, then call the container service to have the unit picked up and relocated.

They can be less expensive than regular moving services, but pods only work out if there is a place for them to sit while it’s being loaded up.

Concerns About Moving Pods

Another concern is that customers must move their heavy furnishings into the container themselves, which may be difficult.

The fact that the pod sits out in the sun and/or the cold might be another issue that could affect the ability to actually use it as intended since some home items can be damaged by high or low temperatures.

Pods come priced for moves within a limited area, too.

Pods Can Be Very Convenient

Limitations aside, moving containers can be convenient for those dealing with a move-out date that does not correspond with their move-in date and it is necessary to store belongings for a while.

Storage usually comes at an additional fee, but it is a simpler solution than moving boxes to a storage unit, then moving them from the unit to the new residence.

Storage Is Available From Moving Services Also

What many people may not realize is that most moving services offer the same short-term storage options to help their customers deal with moving schedule discrepancies, sometimes at no extra cost.

Not only do customers hiring traditional local movers then have the advantage of someone else loading and unloading the truck, but the movers will frequently store goods in their own warehouses between move-out and move-in day, keeping items protected and climate-controlled.

Which Is The Better Option?

So, which is the better option to choose, a moving pod container or a regular moving service?

While both have their advantages and disadvantages, hiring moving services is better for those who want their things moved quickly and safely be professionals, even if that requires a short period of storage between pickup and dropoff.

Moving pods can work well for some who are willing to put in the hours of work themselves to get everything, including their heavy furniture, into the container, but full-service movers can do it all quickly and responsibly!

Why Are The Newest Full Body Scanners Safer to Use?

Body scanners have been in use in prisons, airports, and countless other facilities to improve security for many years now.

While these devices have already been instrumental in improving security at these locations, the technology is continually being updated, suggesting that facilities should be updating their equipment.

Are Body Scanners Worth the Expense?

As expensive as full body scanning machines are, it might lead some to question what the value is in replacing older x-ray body scanning units with newer ones.

This is a valid question that has an equally valid response for heads of corrections facilities especially to take into consideration.

  • Better Imaging - The latest technology in body scanners has introduced groundbreaking imaging improvements, with high-definition 3D imaging making it possible to detect contraband as small as a packet of powder or differentiate between living tissue and other materials.
  • Lower Radiation - Improved full body scanning can now be performed using a fraction of the dose of older, legacy machines, a factor that is especially important in prison facilities and similar where multiple scans per day can be normal.
  • Fewer Physical Interactions - Greater accuracy with lower radiation means fewer of the questionable images common with older x-ray body scanning machines as well as fewer pat-downs and other physical interactions. Advanced body scanners with 3D imaging and automatic detection eliminate the guesswork of older machines, making security scanning as close to being a completely hands-off process as it has ever been.

Based on these three noteworthy reasons, it should be clear how today’s more advanced body scanners make the security screening process faster and more convenient, but also safer for everyone involved.

Correctional facilities that have already updated their full body scanning capabilities are getting lower radiation readings among staff and inmates both, seeing fewer calls for pat-downs and body cavity searches, and experiencing fewer overdose incidences and illicit substances being passed around the facility.

The Final Focus

The important takeaway in this is that there is more to safety than just reducing radiation dose, which has always been a focus of improving x-ray body scanning technology.

Safety in correctional facilities is also measured by the kinds of interactions happening between inmates and staff, and the reduction of harm to the inmates themselves from contraband such as weapons and drugs.

With better ways to reduce all of these risks, every facility using full body scanning should seriously look at how upgrading to the latest technology can further improve the safety level at that facility.