July 2011  Number 11-1

Research Review
Use of Ion Scanners in Correctional Facilities: An International Review
KEY WORDS: drug detection, ion scanner, ion mobility spectrometer, prison

Under current Correctional Service Canada (CSC) policy,
Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) devices (also referred to
ion scanners) may be employed as a non-intrusive search
tool for inmates, staff and visitors, as well as for incoming
mail and parcels. The current review examines the use of
IMS devices internationally, discusses their benefits and
limitations and examines existing research.

successfully identified many of the drugs of concern for
CSC and were linked with a reduction in the introduction of
drugs in institutions after implementation of the technology
(Hogsten, 1998, NCJRS, 2008). Furthermore, one study
found that significant reductions in drug-related offender
misconduct following the placement of an IMS unit in the
lobbies of two correctional institutions, (86% and 58%,
respectively); larger reductions than were found in other
institutions that did not use IMS units (Hogsten, 1998).

What we found

What it means

An IMS unit is a type of trace detecting device that
measures the deflection of particles after they are exposed
to an electric field. The speed at which the particles move
helps to determine the substance of origin. In a correctional
setting, ion scanners may be placed at front entrances or
within the mail room of the prison, where any object can be
swiped. IMS devices detect minute traces of substances
programmed into the unit. Samples are collected by wiping
or vacuuming objects and then placing the filter or swipe
into the unit. Up to six seconds later, the results are
displayed.

Overall, this review indicates that IMS units are useful in
detecting most drugs. However, these devices are often
oversensitive and are limited in their ability to detect certain
forms of drugs. Additional research is needed to address
gaps in our knowledge such as determining the impact of
IMS units on inmate drug use and institutional behaviour,
drug smuggling by inmates, staff and visitors, etc.
Furthermore, additional well-controlled research is needed
to support the limited research currently available on the
reliability of IMS devices within a correctional context.

The efficiency and portability of IMS units has made them a
marketable tool in combating drug supply. The device is
user-friendly, requiring only a few hours of training (US
Department of Justice, 2000). Furthermore, IMS devices, in
comparison with other trace detection devices, are less
costly to purchase and maintain. The speed at which
results are revealed is an additional benefit of IMS.

Butler, R.F. 2002. Mailroom Scenario Evaluation, final report
prepared for the National Institute of Justice, pp.10-12.
Retrieved from:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/199048
Hogsten, K. (1998). Drug Interdiction Test Pilot in a Prison
Environment Federal Bureau of Prisons. 32nd Annual 1998
International Carnahan Conference on Security Technology.
(pp.174-180)
SCA Inc. (2001, October 1). Mailroom Scenario Evaluation Plan.
Retrieved from:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/199048.pdf
Sheldon, T.; Smith, G.; Doherty, S.; Waddell, R.; Donnelly, T. &
Parker, A. (1998). Detection of Concealed Drugs on Prison
Visitors: Realistic Laboratory and Field Trials of Six Drugs
Trace Detectors and Passive Dogs. Proceedings of the 32nd
Annual International Carnahan Conference on Security
Technology, October 12-14, 1998, pp. 234-237.
US Department of Justice. (2000). Guide for the Selection of Drug
Detectors for Law Enforcement Applications (NIJ Guide 60100).

What we looked at

One drawback of IMS technology is that it measures drug
particulates down to the nanogram, identifying ‘false
positives frequently (SCA Inc., 2001). In examining the
practical reliability of detection by IMS units in a laboratory
and prison setting, one study found that cocaine was the
only drug that was reliably detected, while heroin and
amphetamine were poorly detected. Detection capability
was also found for the prescription drug temazepam
(Sheldon et al., 1998). IMS units most effectively detect
powdered or liquid forms of drugs; the finer the powder the
greater the likelihood of detection. This renders other forms
of drugs such as pills and larger particles (i.e. marijuana),
less likely to be detected (Butler, 2002).
There is a paucity of research literature regarding the use
of IMS devices within correctional institutions. However, the
available studies demonstrate that ion scanners

References

Prepared by: Sara Johnson and Serenna Dastouri
Contact
Addictions Research Centre
(902) 838-5900
addictions.research@csc-scc.gc.ca