'Physics' in Corrections

As part of the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ’s) project, Improving Correctional Officers Safety: Reducing Inmate Weapons, researchers at APL have been at work developing prototype toothbrushes and razors that cannot be altered into weapons by inmates. The toothbrushes and razors cannot be sharpened or melted; they are made of a stiff resin core encased in a softer urethane shell with hard polyurethane attachment points. The prototypes were the result of a survey of 72 Federal, State, and local correctional facilities as well as an 11-member working group convened by APL and attended by representatives from State and local facilities, the Bureau of Prisons, and NIJ’s National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center. Other work currently being undertaken by researchers at APL includes the development of a realistic, affordable human torso model capable of accurately measuring the effects of a serious blow to the heart, lungs, and other major body organs. The goal is to provide for the more accurate testing of body armor effectiveness. Contact information is provided.