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.