Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jun 2003
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Cathy O'Donnell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/ion+scanner (ion scanner)
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by Newshawk

QUESTIONABLE METHOD OF DETECTING DRUG SMUGGLING

RE: "DRUGS behind bars," June 23.

  The ion scanners used in Canadian prisons to help stem the flow of drugs 
are a questionable method of detecting drug smuggling. They are extremely 
sensitive to things such as barometric pressure and false positives are not 
unknown. Using a small vacuum device to check an item belonging to a 
visitor, that sample is then passed through the scanner and may very well 
detect a trace of drugs, but it has also caused many problems and turned 
away many legitimate visitors.

I have personally observed positive tests for drug traces with an elderly 
woman (on a sweater that she purchased at a thrift store), a young mom's 
credit card (that passes through numerous hands on any given day) and an 
85-year-old grandmother in a wheelchair, whose wallet set off an alarm - 
and all were turned away.

Apparently paper money is the worst culprit for setting off the alarms, and 
who doesn't handle paper money? These people are then refused a visit with 
whatever family member they have come to see - no recourse, no verification 
of drug detection by second tests, drug dogs or searches.

You also now have a record somewhere that says you had traces of drugs on 
you. We are told that these devices are there for the public's safety. It 
is hurting members of the public as well.

Cathy O'Donnell

(We have also heard of similar false-positive stories.)
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MAP posted-by: Thunder