BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office added “CONPASS DV body scanners” to their bag of weapons to fight COVID-19.
The sheriff’s office says this new tool will greatly reduce physical contact between staff and inmates. The scanners will have the ability to detect contraband that subjects may attempt to hide in their bodies.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway has made efforts to keep COVID-19 out of his jails and he has reportedly kept his staff and inmates free of the virus since quarantines were in order. The jails have implemented an outdoor booking process and most people are able to make bond without entering the facility. However, those who do not make bond must go through the regular procedure and enter the jail until they have a court date. Part of the procedure includes a full-body search. These scanners will reduce the need for deputies to search for weapons, drugs, etc.
Jefferson County jails have also been conducting visitation online, which has reduced the traffic in the facility while still allowing inmates to see their families.
CBS 42 will have more on this during tonight’s 10 p.m. newscast.
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