Beware the ION Scanner

The lon Mobility Spectrometer will detect molecules that can appear in commercial and/or military explosives, narcotics, as well as several medications. Although it is considered to be an efficient security method within federal institutions, the ION scanners have proven to be extremely sensitive.

Getting a positive, or a false-positive read from the ION scanner could very well result in you becoming a suspect in the eyes of the facility, which could then lead to your participation in an an interview after 3 or more hits on the scanner. Your visitation status can easily change from approved and open, to suspended, designated, restricted, or closed. To be turned away upon arrival, and to have your visit terminated is devastating after time and distance spent apart. Allow us to give you some tips to consider when visiting a loved one.

• It is best to avoid scents completely, as most facilities feel strongly about maintaining a scent free environment. It simply is not worth the risk.
• Invest in pure, antibacterial soaps, scent free deodorants, and lotions.
• To leave enough time for any scents to subside, be sure to wash everything that carries a scent at least the night before your visit.
• Use unscented organic, and naturally made products for laundry and hair washes. Only use lightly scented products if you absolutely cannot get around it.

- Common triggers for the ION scanner can fall between household disinfectants, perfumes, hair products, as well as some hand sanitizers.

• Once you’ve washed every bit of material you plan to wear, find a clean bag to store them away in, keeping them safe from any elements that may come into contact with them.

- Remember, the outfit you choose to wear to your visit is the outfit that you will be wearing while you go through processing. Because of this, we encourage that you change into your clean clothes moments before you enter the building.

• Pack a back up! You will come to find that following the dress codes set in place can be difficult depending on affordability, body type, practicality, and the weather. Having an extra outfit ready will help you to bypass any unpredictable issues that may arise.
• Choose or purchase a pair of shoes that you can change into just before you enter the institution, much like you will with your clean outfit.

- These shoes are specifically only worn for visitation, keep them clean and protected.

- Inspect the bottom of your shoes before and after every visit.

• All items that are permitted to enter the facility should also be cleaned and disinfected before processing. This could include, but is not limited to: Jewelry, keys, ID’s, change purse, suitcase, glasses, etc…
• Clean under your nails!
• Refrain from touching and rubbing against anything before you begin processing.

- Be mindful of gas stations, public washrooms, taxi cabs, Ubers, buses, trains, and planes.

• Dont handle illegal drugs, marijuana, or any controlled substances, especially in the days leading up to your visit.

- Always bring a note from your doctor explaining any regularly/daily used medication along with the medication in its original packaging.

Essentials that don’t trigger the ION Scanner: All products listed below can be easily obtained from your local Dollarama or Shopper’s Drug Mart.

 SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS TO US FOR FURTHER GUIDANCE

What is a Trap Line?

• A Trap Line is a service that will forward your loved one’s collect call to your mobile device at an affordable rate.

What is a halfway house?

• A halfway house offers supervised housing to newly released prisoners on Parole or Unescorted Temporary Absence. While residing in a halfway house, your loved ones will be held to rules and expectations. They will gain more access to their families, be given the opportunity to receive treatment or therapy, as well as the possibility to pursue employment and education for a smooth transition back into society.

Types of Federal halfway houses-

1.  CRF: Community Residential Facilities are privately run
2. CCC: Community Correctional Centres are ran by the government 

My loved one is in assessment, when will they be seen by a Parole Officer?

• For sentences of 4 years or less, they should be seen within 70 days of admission
• For sentences over 4 years, they should be seen within 90 days of admission

Who do I contact if my loved one was wrongfully convicted?

• ASSOCIATION FOR THE WRONGFULLY CONVICTED

1-800-249-1329

Who do I contact if I feel as though my loved one or myself is being mistreated?

• CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS, Ottawa Office 

1-888-214-1090

What does ETA stand for?

• Escorted Temporary Absence. This is a type of conditional release/ temporary absence that your loved one can apply for
• Funerals and the birth of a child are examples of what could be eligible for an ETA

What does UTA stand for?

• Unescorted Temporary Absence. This is another type of conditional release/temporary absence that your loved one serving 3 years or more can apply for after they have served 1/6th of their time 
• If your loved one is serving less than 3 years, they can apply for a UTA after 6 months of their time served
• Your loved ones serving life can apply for a UTA 3 years before their full parole eligibility date (PED)
• Individuals in maximum security are not eligible for UTAs

What does DP stand for?

• Day Parole, this is a type of conditional release/ temporary absence as well
• Your loved one can apply for DP 6 months before their full PED
• If your loved one is serving a life sentence, they must wait 3 years before their PED to apply for DP
• DP gives your loved one the opportunity to participate in a community based activity, in preparation for their PED or statutory release

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AND WE WILL FIND YOU THE ANSWERS

To Begin Your Letter of Support for Your Loved Ones, Here Are Some Tips 

Who can write a support letter?

Family members, close personal friends, community leaders, members of the church, educators, therapists, and program/organization facilitators to name a few.

What is the purpose of a support letter?

These letters are meant to encourage the approval of your loved ones release by showing that they have positive support within the community.

Be sure to submit a formally typed, dated, and signed letter with your contact details. If a typed letter is not possible, ensure that your handwritten letter is neat and professionally presentable.

Once you’ve greeted the members of the parole board and introduced yourself, state the reason that you are writing this letter e.g., I am writing to you all in support of ______ ’s upcoming hearing for ______.

Provide a summary about who you are, including your job title or any accolades. A little insight as to why you are good model of support for this individual could go a long way. Don't forget to define what your connection is to the individual that is hoping for a successful hearing.

Avoid trying to diminish the severity of your loved ones offences, as this is not an opportunity for you to protest for their innocence or justify their actions. Acknowledge their wrongdoings and illuminate how they have made strides to overcome them. Focus on their accomplishments and the growth that you have witnessed.

Conclude your letter by highlighting your role in your loved one’s release plan. How will you help your loved one incorporate all that they have learned, and sustain their rehabilitation on the outside? e.g., living situations, financial/emotional support, employment opportunities, and so on.

Format to Help You Conduct a Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Full Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

[Recipients Name] Parole Board of Canada

[Recipients Full Address] Regional Address

[Intro] Greet your recipient and state your purpose for writing

[Body Paragraph 1] Explain who you are to your loved one, how long you’ve known them, and include your occupation/credentials if any

[Body Paragraph 2] Positives about your loved one’s achievements and personal growth throughout their sentence

[Body Paragraph 3] All forms of support that you can offer your loved one

[Outro] Bring your letter to a close

Sincerely,

[Signature]

 

Things to Remember

I. A proper paragraph has 3-7 sentences.

II. Try to keep your letter to a minimum of 1 full page and a maximum of 2.

III. Your final draft should be edited, proofread, and spellchecked!

Best wishes,

Tough Times Inc.