Pubdate: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Ethan Baron TIP LINE TATTLES ON PRISONER DRUG USE Federal prisons in B.C. have started a tip line to weed out drugs. "We want to do everything we can to try to prevent the introduction of illegal substances into institutions," said Correctional Service of Canada spokesman Dennis Finlay. "We know they are getting in. We find them frequently. We find inmates on a regular basis who are under the influence." Existing anti-drug measures include use of drug dogs, body searches and ion scanners. Callers to the tip line can also report inmates who try to pressure visitors into bringing in drugs or committing other illegal acts, Finlay said. Institutions in the tip program include Kent, Mountain, Mission, Matsqui, Kwikwexwelhp Healing Village, Ferndale, William Head, Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Centre and the Fraser Valley Institution for women. - - About 80 federal corrections officers blocked entrances and exits at 52 institutions in B.C. for an hour yesterday. They want a new contract that recognizes health, safety, equipment and shift-scheduling issues, said John Williams of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers. The seven days on, three off, seven on, four off schedule is "very detrimental" to health, he said. Talks have stalled and Robert Makichuk of the Treasury Board Secretariat said it is seeking establishment of a conciliation panel. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman