In August 2021, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a $178,000 grant from the State of Tennessee to enhance health and safety within the Monroe County Detention Facility. The grant provided $30,000 for a UV light disinfectant system and $148,000 for a Smiths Detection B-Scan full-body scanner.
Originally, the program’s goal was to help protect inmates and staff from COVID-19 and to reduce the precautions needed to prevent disease transmission. The UV light system and body scanner both contributed to that goal – but the scanner, in particular, has delivered far-reaching benefits beyond its original purpose.
The Smiths Detection B-Scan performs a completed head-to-toe inspection in less than seven seconds. It detects objects concealed both internally and externally on the body, including weapons, explosives, narcotics, electronic devices, precious stones, metals, and mobile phones. Its advanced imaging software and zoom features allow for quick and efficient evaluations, helping staff identify threats or contraband with precision.
While the grant was specifically intended to combat the spread of COVID-19, the scanner has also led to a significant reduction in the amount of contra-band entering the facility. Every inmate entering the Monroe County Detention Facility must pass through the body scanner before being moved into housing. This includes new arrests, inmates transferred from other facilities, and any inmate returning from outside activities such as medical appointments or work details.
Additionally, employees, contract workers, and any individuals entering the secure areas of the jail may be required to pass through the body scanner at the request of staff. Anyone who refuses to comply is denied entry into the facility. Random scans are also conducted on current inmates and, at times, on employees to ensure continued safety and compliance.
To date, there have been hundreds-if not thousands- of scans conducted by correctional officers. These scans have been carried out safely and without incident. Several items have been detected through the system, preventing introduction of dangerous or prohibited materials into the jail. When contraband is discovered, individuals are placed in a “dry cell” – a secure room without water access-until the items are removed, sometimes requiring medical intervention.
Sheriff Tommy Jones said the technology has proven to be one of the most valuable tools in daily operations:
“Although no system is foolproof, this body scanner has dramatically reduced the amount of contraband entering our facility. It’s used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it plays an essential role in keeping our employees, inmates, and the entire facility safe.”
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is proud to continue using this state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safety and security of everyone within the detention facility.
