Accurate and effective screening at correctional facilities requires more than just up-to-date, advanced detection technology for corrections.
It requires good planning to be able to put that detection technology for law enforcement to its best use.
A good screening process actually begins long before the acquisition of detection technology for corrections and involves these three important steps.
- Funds Allocation for Detection Technology - Before working on planning or setup, corrections facilities must first generate the funds necessary to allocate toward the purchase of detection technology for law enforcement. The process used as well as the place and way that equipment is set up within the facility will depend on which technology is acquired. Facilities that may not have the budget for more advanced scanners and technology should consider whether a Justice Assistance Grant can help them access the best units for their facility based on need, rather than simply what can be afforded without additional funds.
- Screening Process Plan - Once funding for detection technology has been accounted for and the facility understands what technology they will have access to, a screening strategy can then be developed. Protocols using all available screening technology should be developed that include who must be scanned, how often they should be scanned, and how screenings for deliveries, inmate cells, and other locations must be undertaken as well. Full training on all detection technology should be provided and compliance with the screening process demanded.
- Equipment Setup Within the Facility - Lastly, after creating a screening strategy and understanding which detection equipment will be available for use, the facility can then decide where it makes the most sense to set up its various detection technology for the easiest, safest, and most thorough use. Position full-body scanners at intake points as well as any other locations where inmates, staff, visitors, and delivery personnel can go in and out. Scanners at kitchen entrances can prevent inmates working there from removing weapons and scanners at delivery points and mail rooms are also important. Essentially, every location where people or things can be moved in and out should be protected with contraband detection technology for corrections.
Keeping corrections facilities safe requires them to not just invest in the best detection technology for law enforcement, but also to use it effectively.
With a good security screening plan that starts with raising funds for the type and number of scanners necessary to fully service the facility and then determine the best places to set those units up, facilities can perform faster and more accurate contraband detection.