AI 'Smell Detector' for Drugs

A new 'smell detector' utilising synthetic brain cells and artificial intelligence could soon be used to combat drug abuse both inside and outside of prison. The technology has been pitched to the Ministry of Justice as a way to monitor offenders and prevent re-offending.

The detector is designed to identify drugs like spice and fentanyl. It is hoped the technology will improve staff safety in prisons and help probation officers to detect breaches of licence conditions. AI cameras could also be installed in offenders' homes to monitor behaviour.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that emerging technology has the potential to create a 'digital prison outside a prison'. Lord Timpson said that prisons and probation are working in analogue while tech drives forward a new digital age and that embracing new technologies will help to protect victims, reduce reoffending and cut crime.