Drugs in the Prison System This research paper will consist of an analysis of the use and abuse of illicit drugs within prison systems on a global basis. With information gathered from various sources such as the Internet and one-on-one interviews with an inmate in a men's penitentiary and a former inmate in a women's penitentiary, I intend to show the rampant flow of drugs into and out of the prison system, the control of (or lack thereof) ) by prison officials, drug gangs, and drug dealers in correctional facilities, the rate of addiction and the treatments available for inmates suffering from addiction. The introduction of drugs into the prison system has been a problem for prison staff for many years. Prison officials suspect that inmate visitors are the main source of how drugs enter prisons. Although inmates and visitors are subjected to a meticulous search before coming into contact with each other, the introduction of drugs occurs regularly. Drugs can become an important source of income, not only for the inmate, but also for the individual or individuals taking the drugs in a correctional facility. Another avenue for inmates is to use a correctional officer. Most medications available in a prison arrive by courier via a correctional officer. Unlike a visiting inmate, a correctional officer is not subject to a meticulous search of his person and property. Stephen Shaw of the Prison Reform Trust is quoted as saying: "Prison officers are said to turn a blind eye to its use and even deal with it themselves, to make their jobs easier." clothing. An inmate who receives personal clothing from home may also receive medications that have been hidden in clothing by a family member or friend. Furthermore, drugs have been known to be sent through the mail to an inmate hidden in packages of all types. In the past, the distribution of heroin to an inmate was easily hidden on a stamp or on the sticky side of an envelope. Drug use is a problem that many people around the world face while incarcerated or in the "free world." Throughout the history of prison reformers, inmates have built a mail system within the prison to communicate via paper. .....liams (in person) First-hand account of drug trafficking, use, abuse, effects and treatment in a Washington State men's correctional facility. Prison Information Handbook (http://www.pars.org.nz/prison_information_handbook .htm) General information on prisons in New Zealand. Schaffer Library of Drug Policy (http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/GovPubs/cjstcha.htm) A criminal justice system strategy for treating cocaine and heroin-abusing offenders in custody. Substance use in prisoners is the norm rather than the exception (http://www.docguide.com/dg.nsf/PrintPrint/1930E4546A3C26C7852564CA00574711) An article detailing drug use in UK prisons. Eye of the Needle (http://news. scotsman.com/columnists.cfm?id=1207092004) An article about a prisoner detailing drug use and the attitude of the authorities in Scotland. Prevention of infectious diseases in prison (http://www.drugtext.org/library/articles/florenz. html) The effects of drugs and the spread of AIDS and other diseases in prisons as a direct effect of drug abuse . Zero Tolerance for Drugs in Prison (http://clinton3.nara.gov/WH/Work/010599.html) Presidents Clinton's No Drug Tolerance Policy for the Prison System.