FedCURE Notice:  Ion Spectrometry Device Program ~ Federal Bureau of Prisons:  COMPLAINTS | PROCEDURES.

 

Thank those of you for sending in your complaints about the use of ion spectrometry technology on BOP visitors to FedCURE.  We urge all who test false positive to do so. The use of this, yet proven 100% reliable, technology has been an ongoing issue for quite some time.   FedCURE is collecting the complaints and will be having discussions with the BOP Central Office about the return of the technology.  The Ion Spectrometry Devices were taken out of use after BOP Central Office began getting more and more complaints about false positives and were getting pressure from Congressional representatives.  FedCURE had submitted a Freedom of Information Act request and finally received those records after the Ion Spectrometry Devices were discontinued.  The BOP is claiming that the manufacturer "fixed" the software problem with the technology;  however, they have not yet provided FedCURE with documentation of that and it was been requested under FOIA again.   See  Federal Cure (FedCURE) v. Lappin:  http://www.fedcure.org/information/FedCURENews.shtml.

 

Know BOP procedures and your rights.  See:   

Federal Bureau of Prisons:

 

Ion Spectrometry Device Program:  http://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/5522_001.pdf

Administrative Remedy Program:  http://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/1330_016.pdf.   

 

Follow these Visitor Tips:

1)  Be sure not to use any lotions or perfumes. Do not wear freshly dry-cleaned clothes, as dry cleaning chemicals can cause false positives. If you are staying in a motel, be careful of where you put your clothing - keep it packed or hang the clothing up, so as not to pick up any substance particles.

2)  Always ask for a 2nd confirmatory test - and make sure the C.O. changes to fresh gloves before conducting the 2nd test.

3)  Review the attached suggested questions prior to your visit and, if you receive a false positive, ask as many of these questions as you are comfortable asking and record the answers either at the site or right after leaving the facility.  (Share those responses with FedCURE).

4)  If you get a false positive and take prescribed medications, send a polite letter to the warden and enclose a list of your medications. While this will not get the lost visit back, you may be able to get the "first strike" off your record, as subsequent (false) positive readings will result in a longer time of suspended visits.

5)  Send a copy of your complaint letter to your U.S. Congressional Representative and ask for their assistance.
(Be sure to ask your inmate first for permission to do this, as they may contact the facility for more information.)

6)  If you write the warden, send a copy of your letter to:  Charles E. Samuels, Jr., Director, Bureau of Prisons,
and send a copy to FedCURE.   Copy and paste your letter on their contact website at:
http://www.fedcure.org/contact.shtml

 7)  Review the questions (below) you might ask if you receive a false positive -  print a copy to have in your car. 

Information/Questions for Visitors Testing Positive on the Ionscan

1. Ask for a 2^nd confirmatory test. Ask the C.O. to change gloves before administering the 2^nd test. Also observe and make sure the C.O. changes the filter for the 2^nd test.

2. If you still test positive and believe it is a false positive, ask the following questions (and see if they will provide you with paper and pen to write down the responses.)

A. Name of the C.O.

B. Can I talk with the Shift Supervisor? (Get that person’s name also)

C. What type of ionscan machine is this (Manufacturer and Series name)?

D. When was this machine last calibrated?

E. When was maintenance last done on this machine?

F. Do the staff keep a log of the maintenance and calibration dates and times?

G. (Refer to the BOP Memorandum dated 4/10/08 – you might want to keep a copy in your car.  http://www.fedcure.org/documents/BOP_Memos_Barring_Ion_Spec_Use-100408fedcure.pdf) Has there been a directive from the Central Office of the BOP since April 10, 2008, which overrides the directive to halt use of the ionscan?

Can I have a copy? Do you a copy of a confirmation by the Office of Security Technology that this machine operates accurately? Can I have a copy?

H. Can I submit a list of medications prescribed to me?

I. What substances did I test positive for?

J. Can I request a search of my person to show that I am not bringing contraband into the facility?

K. If I go immediately and have a urinalysis test done for controlled substances and it shows I am drug-free, will the positive ionscan test be removed from my record?

L. Are the staff tested by the ionscan?

M. Would you be willing to be tested right now to show the ionscan is accurate?

N. Where can I submit a request to have this decision reviewed? (Get name and address.)

O. Will I receive a written response? How soon after after sending in my written response can I expect a decision?

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We hope you find this information helpful.  FedCURE will keep working on this issue for all BOP visitors!

 

FedCURE
P. O. Box 15667
Plantation, Florida 33318-5667
E-mail:     http://www.fedcure.org/contact.shtml

TRULINCS:  TRULINCS@FedCURE.org (for federal inmates only)
Website:  http://www.FedCURE.org
e-Fax:      801.672.7777
SKYPE:    FedCURE

 

FedCURE's Idea to "Increase Federal Good Time Allowances ~ H.R. 1475" Winner of the "Top 10 Ideas for Change in America for 2010."

 

Goto:  http://www.change.org/ideas/view/increase_federal_good_time_allowances

 

Join or donate to FedCURE at: http://www.FedCURE.org/join.shtml

 

"Using Technology to Bring About Federal Criminal Justice Reform" tm

 

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