Reducing Contraband in a Psychiatric Hospital



Through the Use of a Metal Detector  

 

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Abstract of Journal Article - May 2007  

By Terry A. Rustin, MD  

A private, free-standing, nonprofit psychiatric hospital installed a metal detector and a screening procedure to prevent weapons and other proscribed items from being carried into the hospital by visitors. A wide variety of metal objects was discovered, including knives, ammunition, and hand tools. Visitors did not object to the procedure. As an unexpected benefit of the screening, unauthorized smoking in the hospital decreased. 

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