False Positives Cause Problems For Prison Visitors

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By Kelli Watson

If you take prescription medications, wear perfume or lotion, or even use baby wipes on your child, you could one day test positive for drugs.

That's the problem many families tell News 25 they have when they go and visit loved ones at the Federal Correctional Institute in Pekin.

Some of the people are calling it false-positive drug testing that's having a negative impact on prison inmates' families.

If you carry cash, turn a doorknob or even buy soda, who knows what you're really walking away with. There are countless surfaces we come in contact with on a daily basis that house residue from bacteria to traces of drugs.

"I always bring a zip-lock bag with paper towels soaked in alcohol...I take a wet one with me before they call be to be drug screened," said Marsha Williams.

She takes her grandchildren on their monthly visit to see their father at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pekin. But before anyone gets in to see a loved one, visitors are tested for drugs through system known as an ion spectrometry test.

The Bureau of Prisons says the goal of the test is to reduce the amount of illegal substances entering prisons and denials are based on accurate device test results.

Williams says she has never used or handled illegal drugs.

"I tested positive last May and I tested positive last June and was unable to take the kids to visit their dad for a month."

Williams is not alone. Families from all over the country sent WEEK e-mails about what they call an unreliable test and the torment they went through in being turned away from visiting.

71-year-old Genora Trammell was turned away after flying in from South Dakota.

Trammell said, "They said, "Well, sorry, you tested positive." And I said, "That's impossible. I've never done drugs in my life."

It's emotionally traumatic for the person and the inmate who doesn't get a visit. Trammell and several others have appealed their visitation denials.

The warden sent identical letters in response saying due to incorrect information and inconsistencies with the testing process, the positive test results will be expunged.

Williams says since then, her tests have gone from mandatory to random.

"It's an issue not just here in Pekin, but in institutions all over the country where people have been turned away. It needs to be addressed and taken care of."

So families like Marsha Williams' don't get turned away from seeing their loved ones.

A spokesperson for Congressman Ray LaHood's office says they are looking into the matter with inconsistencies in drug testing at FCI Pekin.

Monday, Mar 15 at 3:09 PM Curious wrote ...

My youngest son just told me about this scanner and said it is just started (or restarted?) to be used where my older son is doing a couple of months. It is JonesFarm NJ located in Trenton. Hi is in there NOT for a drug charge but for violating his probation for coming up positive on a drug test. If you are on probation for ANYTHING in the State of NJ, you are drug tested. Anyway, my question is, I take prescription medication. It is not illegal. If I test positive and have my prescription bottles with me would that suffice? Personally, I would not think to bring them in, I would think that bringing them in would NOT be the thing to do. My youngest son also says that if you come up positive, that you are permanently banned from visiting there.

Wednesday, Jan 28 at 1:47 PM watching you wrote ...

Hey Angela, How was your pizza the other night. Topped with morphine?

Saturday, Jan 3 at 9:16 PM Kimmie D. wrote ...

People are sent to prison as punishment....not for punishment. These machines are a way of punishing prisoners & further victimising their families who are innocent and already suffering a tremendous loss.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 8:33 PM natalie wrote ...

is it true that the BOP in April suspended use of the ion spec machine? if so, is it only to a specific facility? or all of them?

Sunday, Jun 15 at 7:01 PM Toni Morello wrote ...

I need help!! Who do I go to and fight to get this machine stopped!! I also know for a fact it can be fixed to test certain visitors positve! We have to do something about it! We need voices!!! It's so hurtful!! To all of us, our loved ones behind bars and US!!! Please any help from anyone!!! THANK YOU so much!!! Ive been TRYING to fight this for 4 years in PA. I write all of the higher up people and NO ONE cares!!! PLEASE help!!! I dont know if In can ad my email...someone let me know!

Sunday, Jun 15 at 6:56 PM Toni Morello wrote ...

How can we fight this?!! Anyone!!!! I am testing positive too and for nothing!!!!

Monday, May 5 at 2:20 AM Angela Cordeiro wrote ...

I visit my Husband in kingstonprison and because of this falls positive ion scanner I cannot visit my husband for two years now its cruel and unsual punishment and they don't care, the staff never get tested so why is ok for them. I don't do drugs or smoke or even drink, I have cronic asthma and take heavy meds for it how do I know if its my meds setting it off. I am so fed up with these ion scanners.

Tuesday, Apr 29 at 1:24 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I work in human resources. There is a book on amazon.com called "Drug testing in the workplace: A pilot study on trace detection technology". The chapter on trace detection technology really helped me to understand the "ion scanner" and the false positives generated by this technology.

Tuesday, Apr 22 at 7:23 PM phyllis wrote ...

I think the ion machine should be banned. Most of the drugs being brought in are from the guards.......test them on a day to day basis

Friday, Apr 18 at 12:30 AM Stephanie White wrote ...

They suppose to take you off the list after a year. My year was up Dec. 07 and I went in Feb. 08. I should have been taken off the list, but I wasn't they tested me all 3 days I went. Thank god they were all fine. You get very nervious when you go because you never know what will happen. That is suppose to be a wonderful feeling to go see your loved ones, but with that machine you can't relaxe until you get pasted it. Once you are in then you can enjoy your visit with your loved ones.

Friday, Apr 18 at 12:18 AM Stephanie White wrote ...

Once you test positive they always want to test you. I went one day and they tested me it was fine. The next day I went they tested me again and it came up positive. All I did after leaving the first day was go to the store, and went to get some food. I went to the motel room, and the next day I had a positive reading. There is nothing you can say to them when that happens. It's like they don't care they feel like you are trying to bring something into the prison. I'm not going to risk that.

Friday, Apr 18 at 12:08 AM Stephanie White wrote ...

I to can relate to the circumstances that these people are going through. I too was turned away for the same reason. I had a few false positive reading, and was turned away after driving 6 hrs. After you test positive, everytime you go back they test you. I don't smoke or drink, so there should not have been any reason for myself to test positive for anything. What hurt me the most is that I had to tell me 4yr of daughter that she could not see her father. This happen to myself in Lompoc, CA.

Friday, Apr 4 at 7:55 PM Understaning wrote ...

The test is not an accusation that you do drugs. It is to see if you have come into contact with an illegal substance. (Knowingly or unknowingly doesn't matter)That keeps the officers from sterotyping visitors. There have been all kinds of people and all ages that smuggle in drugs. It is unfortunate when someone hits positive but visiting is a privledge not a right. The safety of the institution inmates and staff are the goal. So keeping out drugs is one way of dealing with it.

Wednesday, Mar 5 at 8:51 PM Marsha wrote ...

Eyes,I have enjoyed sparring with you and agree that we could continue the endless deabte,not an argument in my opinion :}.So, we can agree to disagree, which is OK because we stand on opposite sides of the fence.God willing you will never find yourself in the position of having to visit your child,grandchild,etc. behind prison walls. I will continue to do what I can to initiate change in what I see as an unacceptable flaw in BOP treatment of inmates and their loved ones. God's blessings to you.

Wednesday, Mar 5 at 3:04 AM Eyes Open wrote ...

Marsha, I can see that this argument will never end. You will only believe that which supports your view, e.g., your son’s attorney’s friend… I do not condemn you; however, I stand behind everything I have stated. I wish you the best of luck.

Monday, Mar 3 at 10:58 PM Marsha wrote ...

One more question Eyes. Exactly how many time have YOU been subjected to ION testing as you reported for work? How many years have you been working at the FCI? Although my positive ION test record "has been expunged" and I'm supposedly back to random testing, I am tested at nearly every visit. There should be more stringent testing of FCI employees, Truth be told, I'm sure that employees rival visitors as means for drug transport into prisons.

Monday, Mar 3 at 10:32 PM Mrsha wrote ...

Eyes, My son's attorney (who has a friend working at FCI Pekin) called me and confirmed what my son had already told me. Yes, nearly 75% of FCI Pekin's employees DID test with the ION last June/July. Perhaps we should consider CO Welch or Jeager whom I've read about in the Journal Star. CO's need to be more closely monitored. They likely are the main entrance of contraband.

Saturday, Mar 1 at 4:52 AM Eyes Open wrote ...

Lets address testing staff. In your 2/27 post you said, "Interestingly enough, last July FCI Pekin tested some of their own employees. Somewhere between 50 & 75 % of their own employees tested positive with the ION scanner." I do not recall any such test. I have tested myself numerous times. Never once have I come up positive. I use hand sanitizer and other products. I tested the cash in my pocket. Nothing. If it was as easy as asking an imate, there would not be a drug problem.

Friday, Feb 29 at 11:50 PM Marsha wrote ...

Eyes,talk to your inmates. they know which inmates' visitors are bringing stuff in. You have the option of strip searches or pat downs, but choose not to use them for visitors who test with the ION, & you can search vehicles.You avoided my point of testing guards.

Friday, Feb 29 at 2:01 AM Eyes Open wrote ...

Marsha, The point is that no system is perfect. It is easy to stand back and point fingers. I wonder how much press coverage there was when, because of the ION scan, a visitor was busted with 14 balloons of drugs in his car. I agree that the majority of the visitors are harmless; however, there must be a way to keep the drugs out. What do you suggest?

Thursday, Feb 28 at 10:33 PM Marsha wrote ...

Eyes, I have no doubt that you have seen every possible way that visitors MIGHT try to bring in drugs. However, the majority of visitors are harmless, they just want to maintain contact with their incarcerated loved one (son, father, grandchild, husband). The ION is NOT a consistently reliable means of keeping drugs from entering prisons. Prison employees should have to pass the ION,not just random drug ua's. Ua's only test for personal drug use, not for transporting drugs into the prisons.

Thursday, Feb 28 at 1:51 PM Eyes Open wrote ...

Staff are screened before they can enter the institution.The staff do not have to do the ion scan but they are subject to random urinalysis tests. Staff who are caught bringing contraband to inmates are prosecuted by federal law. Staff must pass an extensive background check before being allowed to work there and they are rechecked periodically. Think about this:The inmates in there are murderers, rapists, child molesters and drug dealers. They are not doing time for parking tickets.

Thursday, Feb 28 at 12:52 PM Eyes Open wrote ...

Let me tell you about the time a mother tried to smuggle in drugs in a baby’s diaper. Let me tell you about the time an inmate’s mother who was over 50 years of age tried to smuggle in marijuana by hiding it inside her body then going to the bathroom in the visiting room to remove it and give it to her son. Let me tell you about the people from the church trying to smuggle in cigarettes. I could go on and on. The truth is that most people only hear one side of the story.

Wednesday, Feb 27 at 9:30 PM J. Lowe wrote ...

Here is an old saying for you.. The only difference between a good boy & a bad boy, is who got caught.. Just remember folks, this could be your loved one.

Wednesday, Feb 27 at 8:41 PM Marsha wrote ...

Interestingly enough, last July FCI Pekin tested some of their own employees. Somewhere between 50 & 75 percent of their own employees tested positive with the ION scanner. Now, tell me the machine is reliable.

Wednesday, Feb 27 at 7:52 PM Concerned citizen wrote ...

With all of the controversy going on with the ion scan, why not just pat search each individual visitor the way that the state prisons do? There are other ways of detecting drugs. I bet if officers had to be screened before entering the facility things would change.

Wednesday, Feb 27 at 9:59 AM BEAR wrote ...

To Anon., (gee if people, etc). Here's hoping you get a chance to spend some time on the inside and then see how it feels to be denied visits from loved ones! AH!

Wednesday, Feb 27 at 5:43 AM Former Prison guard wrote ...

It is true, not all people that are incarcerated are there for drugs. That does not deter from the fact that when are obtained from people from the "outside" it is from visitors. Is from the 70 year old grandmother, or the 12 year old child? probably not, but reality is, I've seen drugs smuggled into prisons in several ways from visitors (I will not advise how in this forum). And yes we had former policeman, correctional officers, medical professionals, etc. etc. As mentioned, this is reality.

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 6:56 PM Dawn Dohner wrote ...

I understand the BOP is concerned with contraband being brought into their prisons. But, there must be a more reliable method to test for drug traces. Inmates are sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, boyfriends- they are people just like us. All people in prison aren't bad and all people that are out in society are not without fault. The difference is inmates got caught. Receiving a visit is the highlight of their week. For those of you who have no compassion for that, I feel sorry for you.

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 5:53 PM Lory Harre wrote ...

Some that are there are not there on drug charges or have any problem with drugs. Some are there because of politics like my husband. He did not commit a crime and ask to leave me at 9 months pregnant. He had done is time at 17 yrs old and it came back to bite him in the rear 13 yrs later, all because he was never told he could not have hunting guns in the home because he was a "felon". Why should we all have to suffer because of others and there drug problems?

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 3:54 PM Carla L. wrote ...

Marsha Williams is my sister. She is a RN, and her husband is a retired Pekin Police Officer.. Get real!!! They don't do drugs!

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 1:49 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Gee, if people could learn to be decent citizens and abide the law, none of the would be a problem, would it? It's just too bad that working taxpayers' dollars pay to house and coddle these felons in the first place. Who cares if their visitors get in to see them?

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 11:32 AM Anonymous wrote ...

next thing you know they will put on the rubber gloves and give all the visitors a cavity search!!!

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 9:48 AM Jim wrote ...

It is really difficult to keep drug out of prisons. This is a fact and although most visitors are honest there are those who look to benefit from their visit. It is sad that those few have made policies tougher on others. Maybe those who are complaining can wash themselves before coming to a visit.

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 9:21 AM CO wrote ...

Inmates are hear for a reason. If they wanted to be with their family they should not have committed the crime. The reality is that visitors smuggle in most of the contraband into prisons. This endangers staff and inmates. If the visitors cannot pass the test, oh well. It is their responsibilty to conform to our the rules.

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 9:14 AM Terra Morton wrote ...

I had this happen to me. When i was just 12 years old. I was not or had not been around drugs and i tested postitve in oklahoma while trying to visit my uncle who i had not seen in 7 years.It is completely devesating people looking at you as a 12 year old drug user.

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 7:57 AM Correctional Officer wrote ...

Visiting is a privilege not a right. Officers do as told and follow policies and procedures set forth by our law makers and the Bureau of Prisons. Lifes not fair and the games are tougher.

Tuesday, Feb 26 at 1:25 AM Alfreda Robinson wrote ...

I've been visiting USP's for 18 years. Not until I visited USP Terre Haute did I test positive. I've tested positive 5 consecutive times even though I don't take meds nor do I use drugs. If I am exposed to drugs, I don't know where or when. Don't smoke I'm confident that the SIS Officer at that time had his people fail me on purpose because of a dispute with my husband. I've not been able to have a contact visit with my husband since 2006. I had a visit through the glass in 10/07 and 01/08

Monday, Feb 25 at 11:20 PM Marsha Williams wrote ...

Let's hope Ray La Hood steps up to the plate now. He declined to help with the problem when it happened this past July.

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