What Happens If You Test Positive on the Drug Scan at CNMCF: Your Options and What It Means
Testing positive on the ION drug scan at CNMCF can be alarming—especially if you don't use drugs. Here's what the scan actually detects, what could happen to your visit, and what steps you can take next.
The ION Drug Scan detects minute traces of drug residue. A "positive" reading can come from tiny amounts you picked up during everyday activities - it doesn't mean you personally use drugs.
CNMCF uses drug detection to keep narcotics and other contraband out. Visitors cannot bring alcohol or controlled substances onto Department property - ever. Anyone who uses, possesses, distributes, or tries to introduce these substances during a visit can be removed from the property and reported to local law enforcement.
Note: A positive ION read can reflect trace residue and isn’t proof of drug use. Refusing required testing is treated differently and can end your visit immediately.
Other Screenings
- ✓ Metal detector screening
- ✓ Controlled-substance detection equipment
- ✓ Screening by dogs trained to detect drugs
If you refuse a required search or screening, you won’t be allowed to continue with the visit. The visit can be canceled or suspended, and you’ll be escorted from institutional grounds.
If you're an adult and test positive on the drug detection device, your visit may be switched to Face-to-Face Non-Contact visiting. If that option isn't available, you could be denied visitation for the day. Separately, bringing alcohol or controlled substances onto Department property is prohibited - violations can result in removal and a report to local law enforcement.
Minors follow different rules. Visitors under 18 must go through drug-detection testing, but they'll never be strip-searched. If a minor tests positive, the same day-of-visit outcomes apply: the visit may shift to Face-to-Face Non-Contact, or be denied if non-contact isn't available.
Good to know: If your visiting privileges are suspended or terminated, the facility will notify you in writing, and you can appeal by following the appeal process in the Inmate Visitation policy.
- Stay calm and follow staff directions - a positive read can happen from trace residue, but staff still have to follow procedure.
- Ask what your visiting option is today - you may be moved to Face-to-Face Non-Contact visiting, or denied for the day if non-contact isn’t available.
- Don’t refuse required screening - refusal can cancel or suspend the visit and you’ll be escorted from institutional grounds.
Need help understanding what happened or what comes next? Contact Family Constituent Services by email or phone. Include the offender's full name and NMCD number, plus date of birth and/or SSN if you have them. If your visiting privileges get suspended or terminated, watch for the written notice - you'll need it if you decide to appeal under the Inmate Visitation policy.
Tip: Keep any written suspension/termination notice, and write down who you spoke with (and when) if you contact Family Constituent Services or a caseworker - those details help if you decide to appeal or follow up.
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