Introduction
The future of American corrections is likely to be influenced by some societal factors and trends, especially in dealing with different problems and challenges. One of the main challenges facing the American correction system is the prevention of contraband in prison facilities. While this is a critical challenge, several technologies have been developed which can help mitigate the problem. One of the ways that have been invented has been the use of scanners and detection devices that identify contraband items before they are taken into the facilities. These include metal detectors, x-ray scanners, and other devices which scan visitor and their packages when visiting the prisons. Prison facilities have been encouraged to increase their intelligence strategies for identifying and disrupting networks used to smuggle contraband into the facilities. Therefore, it is important to note that the future of American corrections is based on a combination of different strategies aimed at detecting and preventing the entry of contraband into the facilities.
Weapons Detection in Prison
The article “Weapons and Non-permitted Devices Detector” by Luna Innovations Incorporated shows some important issues and points. The main thing to note from this analysis is that Luna Innovations Incorporated aimed to develop a device that could detect non-permitted devices for prisoners. The device uses beams and ultrasonic energy to detect metal and plastic contraband in prisons. The device is designed to detect the presence of any concealed object without being in physical contact with the individual (Luna Innovations Incorporated, 2009). The project by Luna Innovations had been safely tested in prisons, and the device was ready for use. The device produced a chirping sound upon detection of contraband, and it was a useful technology that could be applied within prison facilities.
On the other hand, there were some challenges with the new project, especially regarding costs and multi modes of detection for metals and plastics. The technology was based on an ultrasonic array and electronic drivers which could generate, detect and process different rays from an object. Therefore, Luna developed and improved their detection and extraction software by creating Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) for a system that could detect metals and plastic devices effectively (Luna Innovations Incorporated, 2009). This device could be used for prison facilities to detect plastic knives, Wadded money, pen pikes, and guns. Also, the technology was identified for its effectiveness in identifying cellphones, cigarette lighters, candy sticks, keys, and other miscellaneous articles. By testing the device in a local corrections facility, Luna was able to identify the device’s effectiveness in identifying contraband hidden in the suspect’s body. Luna was therefore seeking a commercial partnership which could be an important way to ensure the device could be made as a commercial product.
From the text analysis, it is important to note that the Weapons and Non-permitted Devices Detector indicates an important effort to change the future of American Corrections by Luna Incorporated. The report shows that the device is designed to use highly accurate and reliable technology that can detect a wide range of weapons and contraband for prisoners and visitors within prison facilities. This can be very helpful in boosting the security and safety of correction facilities in the USA, reducing the risk of weapons and contraband being smuggled into the facilities. On the other hand, Luna indicates that the device is non-invasive and privacy-friendly. Also, it does not emit radiation when capturing the items, which is important especially based on the concerns of privacy and civil liberties, which are important concerns of our society today. The device, with improvement, is cost friendly, which can help minimize the costs associated with the traditional detection and identification of contraband, such as using dogs. From the report, we can note that WANDD is an effective technological device that can boost the future of correction systems in America (Luna Innovations Incorporated, 2009). Implementing it within the facilities can boost security protocols and improve the effectiveness and accuracy of detection. In the future, by funding this project, Luna can facilitate enhanced detection of weapons, especially non-metallic ones, which improves the security of prison facilities in the USA.
Prison Contraband
The video “Prison Contraband” by Vidal San shows that contraband is a significant problem for many prisons in the USA as it causes violence and gang activities in prison. The journalist effectively narrates and provides the viewers with details on prison contraband and some of the complex processes prisoners take to smuggle contraband into the facilities. The video shows that prisoners are allowed a wide variety of things, such as radio, guitars, and television, among others (San, 2014). However, through regular searches, prison officers can often collect different items smuggled into the prison, such as tobacco, narcotics, and weapons, among others. The correctional officers illustrate how prisoners can smuggle the contraband through their bodies by inserting or swallowing.
Contraband in prisons often translates into a big business run by prison gangs. Prison gang leaders control the contraband prison business and how prison activities are carried out. Considering the scarcity of items in the facilities, the contraband business is very profitable as many of the items are overpriced within the institutions. Therefore, the gang leaders make much money by controlling the contraband prison business. This has made it very hard for prison officers to prevent the inflow of contraband into the institutions. Also, the high levels of overpopulation in the facilities make it even harder for prison officers to prevent prisoners from smuggling contraband (San, 2014). The presence of contraband leads to illegal activities both inside and outside the prison.
From the video, it is evident that one of the main ways that contraband plays a role in prison systems is by creating and maintaining gang systems. As indicated, the prison gang leaders control the contraband, which helps them maintain their power and control over other inmates. They often use contraband to recruit or intimidate as well as control other inmates. As indicated, the prison business activities use contraband as a currency for bargaining, buying, or selling favors. In the video, cell phones are one of the main contraband materials evident in the prison system (San, 2014). This has allowed the gangs to control their processes and communicate with each other within and outside the facilities. This has increased the level of illegal activities within prison facilities. Prisoners often get access to weapons, drugs, and other materials which can be used to harm others, engage in violent behaviors, or even attempt to escape prison. This puts the safety of other prisoners, the prison staff, and the general public at risk.
There are efforts by the prison systems to combat prison contraband. These efforts involve various prevention, detection, and punishment strategies. First, the prison staff engages in strategies of detecting contraband through regular searches of prison cells, ensuring the correctional facilities’ physical security, and increasing staff training on awareness and detection technology. Other detection efforts include the use of visitor searches, the use of niff dogs, and the monitoring of prison phone calls. On the other hand, prisoners found with contraband are often subjected to severe punishment, which often sensitizes others from keeping contraband. Some of the punishments include additional time in prison, criminal charges, and loss of privileges. However, these efforts have not successfully eliminated the problem of contraband within prison facilities.
Conclusion
Prison correction facilities within the United States are facing many challenges, especially related to the inflow of contraband into the facilities. The video shows contraband influences the prison gang systems, increasing violence and criminal activities. Gang leaders use this contraband to control and exert power over the other inmates. However, it seriously threatens the prisoners, the staff, and the general public. The efforts of prison facilities to combat this issue have not been fully successful. Sniff dogs, regular searches, and screening have been used to detect and prevent contraband in the facilities. The future of American correction facilities will call for new ways and improved strategies for detecting and preventing contraband from the prison systems. WANDD and other technology devices have been developed and are playing a role in improving prison efforts to detect and prevent contraband. These efforts are very important in ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities in the United States.
References
Luna Innovations Incorporated. (2009). Weapons And Non-Permitted Devices Detector (WANDD). 228732. 2006-IJ-CX-K023.
San, V. (2014). Prison Contraband. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/uE3fQqPx7M8
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