The Washington County Jail will purchase a body scanner, after the County Board approved a $145,000 contract with Tek84 Nov. 3 to provide and install the system in the jail. State law was changed last year to allow security screening x-ray equipment to image and identify contraband items concealed within or outside a human body, which allows body scanners in local jails. Inmates and new arrestees often attempt to bring into jail contraband, such as narcotics, weapons, and cell phones. Inmates and arrestees will hide items making it difficult to detect by correctional officers. Body scanners are a less intrusive and dehumanizing method of searching inmates than visual strip searches where close contact is needed.

The company will install, test, and train staff on the new scanner.