Establishes a contraband screening plan which includes a canine at the entrance of each correctional facility to detect the presence of illegal drugs.
Summary
Bill A04228 proposes to amend the correction law by establishing a contraband screening plan that mandates the use of trained canines at the entrances of correctional facilities in New York. The primary objective of this bill is to enhance security measures within these facilities by detecting illegal drugs before they can enter the premises. The bill outlines that the commissioner will be responsible for implementing this plan, ensuring that the canines are leashed and controlled during the screening process.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will modify existing correction laws in New York by adding a new requirement for all correctional facilities to implement canine screening for contraband. This change is expected to improve the safety and security of correctional facilities by reducing the influx of illegal substances, potentially leading to a decrease in drug-related incidents within these institutions.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill A04228 appears to be cautiously supportive, as indicated by the voting outcome in the Assembly Correction Committee, where it received 9 votes in favor and 3 against. However, the bill is still under consideration, suggesting that there are ongoing discussions about its implications and effectiveness.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the effectiveness of canine screening in preventing drug smuggling into correctional facilities and the potential costs associated with implementing such a program. Some committee members may argue that the resources required for training and maintaining the canine units could be better allocated to other areas of correctional facility management.
Increases the penalties for promoting prison contraband in the first and second degrees; requires that each state correctional facility use body imaging scanning for all incarcerated individuals and visitors entering such facility; requires state correctional facilities to use trained canines to screen for contraband at the entrance of each facility.
Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish contraband screening at correctional facilities including canines at the entrances and a third-party secure vendor mail program.
Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish contraband screening at correctional facilities including canines at the entrances and a third-party secure vendor mail program.
Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish contraband screening at correctional facilities including canines at the entrances and a third-party secure vendor mail program.