News
Scanners Help Catch Contraband at WV Regional Jails
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia corrections officials say full-body scanners are now being used on inmates entering the state’s regional jail system to reduce the infiltration of contraband.
The Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety says in a news release inmates entering nine regional jails must now pass through a scanner similar to those at airports and courthouses. Last month the scanners recorded 36 positive hits.
The scanners also are prompting contraband to be ditched in booking areas and outside law enforcement vehicles that bring inmates to jail. More than a dozen such instances occurred in February, including discarded drugs, syringes and cell phones.
The department says reducing jail contraband saves lives, increases safety for officers and other staff members, and improves outcomes for inmates undergoing substance abuse treatment and recovery services.