Brutality Canada Police Brutality O Canada

Inmates face eye test for drugs

HAMILTON - New technology that tests for drug and alcohol use by measuring the eye's reaction to light is set to make its Canadian debut in Ontario's jails.

Rather than giving a urine sample, inmates will only have to stare into a special viewfinder to determine if they are under the influence.

Correctional Services Minister Rob Sampson said he is talking with a U.S. company to bring its technology to Ontario jails when the Tory government's new random drug testing policies come into effect early next year.

The policies are designed to combat the wide use of contraband drugs amongst inmates.

Inmates who test positive for the drugs and alcohol will not be eligible for early parole.

The technology ``is the least invasive (test), it's pretty quick and extremely accurate,'' said Sampson.

The device is made by Maryland-based PMI Inc.

It was designed by two former probation officers.

Reprinted under the Fair Use doctrine of international copyright law.

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This page created June 28, 2001