By C1 Staff
WASHINGTON – Sixty-five new X-ray machines, costing taxpayers $4 million, added to facilities by the Bureau of Prisons have been found wanting as they aren’t being properly used to deter contraband.
The Washington Times reports that either the units have sat unused or officers have not received proper training on their use, accoding to a report by the inspector general.
The machines are also unable to scan many items facilities receive.
The BOP responded that they would ensure all regional managers in the prison system would have training on the machines and would conduct periodic reviews to study if the technology is helpful in deterring contraband.
A mandatory training and simulation course test will also be prescribed for anyone using the machines.
Other issues include placement of the machines – some are in clear view of inmates, who can study the areas where to best hide contraband in order to sneak it past both staff and the technology.
Out of the 65 units purchased, 10 of then sat unused for six months before being turned on, and two prisons still have not installed theirs, more than two years after they were purchased.