Notice to those currently suspended from visiting due to ionscan!

Zelda50 · #1 04-15-2008, 04:37 PM

There is a thread in the Visitation Section, begun by Greyghost regarding the current suspension by the BOP of the ionspectometry program. FedCURE received this information from BOP Central Office:

"On April 10, we issued direction to the field immediately suspending the use of any ion spectrometry drug detection equipment due to problems with the machines software. We have asked the manufacturers to make all necessary corrections/modifications. After the problems have been fixed and we have confirmed the fixes, we will bring the equipment back online.

In cases where a visitor's visiting privileges are currently
suspended as a result of the use of ion spectrometry drug detection
equipment, the visitor may request the Warden consider reinstatement ofvisiting privileges, and/or an inmate can make requests for reinstatement of visiting privileges for such a visitor directly to unit staff."

HoldingHimClose · #2 04-15-2008, 04:51 PM

Thanks Zelda. I have never tested positive with them thank goodness! I was going to PM you just now and ask if you'd hear of it because my man mentioned it to me and I know you give out all the good info on here. Keep it rolling girl! So many of us appreciate reading your informative posts!!!!!!!

Zelda50 · #3 04-15-2008, 08:55 PM

My guy called tonight and said that the prison staff had told the inmates about this yesterday, including how suspended visitors could ask to get their visiting back.

COPINGSOFAR · #4 04-16-2008, 08:51 AM

zelda - thanks for this great news! Eventhough it sounds temporary, the BOP is finally admitting there is a problem with this equipment. I am so glad I don't have to stress over this anymore, because my husband is home. It just made me so mad when I saw people turned away from visitation because of this equipment.

Zelda50 · #5 04-16-2008, 03:11 PM

From what I'm hearing, "temporary" may take a long while. Z.

Zelda50 · #6 04-16-2008, 03:43 PM

Info from FedCURE (www.fedcure.org)

A lengthy discussion with one of Central Office's personnel involved in the decision to suspend ion machine use produced the following:
1. ALL use of machines throughout the system is suspended.
2. The manufacturers have been told to refine their software after admitting to the BOP that it was "possible" to have a legal substance mimic an illegal substance.
3. There is no deadline and no way to know at this time whether the machines will come back into use again.
4. A memo went out to all Wardens that anyone suspended from visiting because of a positive on the machine is to be allowed to visit effective immediately.
5. Several Congresspeople and Senators have requested clarification for the justification of ion spec use after getting complaints from their constitutents about false positives.
Finally, the squeaking wheel gets some grease!!!
Kenny Linn, J.D., LL.M.
Chairman, FedCure

RAG4LIFE · #7 04-16-2008, 03:45 PM

Happy to hear this!!

greyghost · #8 04-16-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelda50

From what I'm hearing, "temporary" may take a long while. Z.

I agree.

dezember2012 · #9 04-16-2008, 08:12 PM

Zelda50, do you know if there is a BOP directive number or reference that we should include when writing to the warden? I'm not sure "I heard on PTO" is quite as effective as perhaps citing the actual directive might be. Thanks.

I hate that ion machine, or at least the way it has been used and the added stress it gives visitors. Long may it stay offline!

sandra8376 · #10 04-16-2008, 08:55 PM

I've never been suspended, but I tested positive one day - demanded a re-test & tested negative & was then allowed to visit. I was always terrified to go back for visits after that because of the machines. I'm so glad that they're finally looking at this flawed equipment/software & realizing that it's not the "end-all" that they thought it would be.

Zelda50 · #11 04-17-2008, 12:58 PM

Don't know of a directive. You could say that you read a notification from FedCURE, or that another BOP visitor told you. Z.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezember2012

Zelda50, do you know if there is a BOP directive number or reference that we should include when writing to the warden? I'm not sure "I heard on PTO" is quite as effective as perhaps citing the actual directive might be. Thanks.

I hate that ion machine, or at least the way it has been used and the added stress it gives visitors. Long may it stay offline!

greyghost · #12 04-17-2008, 04:41 PM

No directive has been issued. Just make reference to the current status of the Ion scan when you write.

freegene · #13 04-18-2008, 10:35 PM

Zelda,
This is GREAT news!!!! Thank you!