U.S. flag
      An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.
        Here's how you know
      Here's how you know**Official websites use .gov**
            
            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
      **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
            
            A **lock** (
            A locked padlock
            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu

      
        close

            
            
                                              About NIJ
        
                    
  
          About NIJ
      
    
          The NIJ Director
          How NIJ Is Organized
          Mission and Guiding Principles
          Research and Development Process
          Strategic Framework
          Assessments of NIJ
          Annual Reports & Reports to Congress
          Staff Directory
          Funding & Awards
        
                    
  
          Funding & Awards
      
    
          Current Funding
          Forthcoming Funding
          Expired Funding
          Awards: Listing of Funded Projects
          Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
          Fellowship & Student Programs
          Travel Scholarships
          NIJ Challenge Program
          Library & Multimedia
        
                    
  
          Library & Multimedia
      
    
          NIJ Journal
          Podcasts
          Publications Listing
          Multimedia Listing
          Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
          Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
          Software & Databases
          Datasets
          Patents
          Topics
        
                    
  
          Topics
      
    
          Article Listing
          Corrections
          Courts
          Crime Prevention
          Crimes
          Drugs and Crime
          Equipment and Technology
          Forensic Sciences
          Youth Justice
          Justice System Reform
          Law Enforcement
          Tribal Crime and Justice
          Victims of Crime
          Events
        
                    
  
          Events
      
    
          NIJ 2024 Research Conference
          Scheduled Events
          On-Demand Events
          Research Meetings & Workshops
          NIJ-Hosted Online Training

                            
                                About
          Contact Us
          Subscribe
          Topics A-Z
                  Share
FacebookXLinkedInRedditPinterestEmail Home
                            Library & Multimedia
 You Don't Have Mail
NCJ Number
              211918

Date Published

2003
Length
              2 pages
Annotation
              This article describes two contraband detection systems submitted by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) for evaluation by Pima County (Arizona) in its effort to improve the detection of drugs in mail brought into the countys adult detention center.
Abstract
              One contraband detection system proposed by SNL is a hand-portable system that has both swipe and vapor collection capabilities. When combined with a commercial chemical detector, the system can detect substances at parts per trillion. The other proposed detection system is a highly sensitive stationary device with swipe capability only. Both machines have proven effective in finding all types of substances in mail, including methamphetamine, LSD, cocaine, and marijuana. Although both systems have performed well in detention center evaluations, the staff prefers the hand-portable system with both vapor and swipe capabilities. Its portability also allows it to be used in other areas of the facility besides the mailroom. In addition to the equipment purchase, the evaluation has found other ways to improve contraband detection procedures; for example, the detention center now has a policy of refusing to process mail with postage stamps (drugs have been found under postage stamps). Even personal letters must be mailed in prepaid postage envelopes or be taken to the post office and metered. Also, detention staff now destroys the original envelopes that supposedly contain correspondence from attorneys and replace them with clean blank manila envelopes. In addition, all letters written in ink gel are returned.
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        96-MU-MU-K011


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Technical Assistance
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2003
    
          Downloads
        
                      PDF

Side navigation
  

        

  
  
              NIJ Journal
    
      
            
            
            
      Podcasts
    
      
            
            
            
      Publications Listing
    
      
            
            
            
      Multimedia Listing
    
      
            
            
            
      Rated Practices on CrimeSolutions
    
      
            
            
            
      Rated Programs on CrimeSolutions
    
      
            
            
            
      Software & Databases
    
      
            
            
            
      Datasets
    
      
            
            
            
      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Drug abuse in correctional facilities
        Drug detection
        Drug smuggling
        Prison contraband
        LSD (acid)



  
Similar Publications
        
                      Random Forest Processing of Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometric Data Enables Species Identification of Psychoactive Plants From Their Headspace Chemical Signatures
                  GC-MS Studies on the Regioisomeric Methoxy-Methyl-Phenethylamines Related to MDEA MDMMA and MBDB
                  An Efficient Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometric Approach to Detection and Quantification of the Mescaline Content of Commonly Abused Cacti from the Echinopsis Genus
 Top

      National Institute of Justice

        
        
                        About NIJ
                    About NIJ
      
    
                  How NIJ Is Organized
      
    
                  NIJ Director
      
    
                  Research Disclaimer
      
    
                  Funding & Awards
                    Funding & Awards Home
      
    
                  Awards Listing
      
    
                  Current Funding
      
    
                  Guidance for Applicants and Awardees
      
    
                  Resources
                    Events
      
    
                  Podcasts
      
    
                  Publications
      
    
                  Topics
      
    
                  Multimedia
      
    
                  Reuse Policy
      
    
                  Contacts
                    Contact NIJ
      
    
                  Staff Directory
      
    
                  Submit a FOIA Request
      
    
                  File a Civil Rights ComplaintFacebook
          
                      X
          
                      YouTube
  

      810 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20531
      
              Secondary Footer link menu
            Accessibility
              Plain Language
              Privacy Policy
              Legal Policies and Disclaimer
              No FEAR Act
              Freedom of Information Act
              USA.gov
              Justice.gov