Douglas County corrections director outlines new contraband-detection technology, opioid response plans

Mike Myers, director of the Douglas County Department of Corrections, told the Criminal Justice Committee on May 1 that the jail is evaluating new technologies to detect contraband and to bolster opioid response.

Myers said the jail is looking at three technologies: a millimeter-wave scanner similar to airport units for screening staff and contractors; a CT X‑ray scanner for possessions; and an electronic “drug identifying” device described as analogous to a drug‑sniffing dog. "This has not been put out to bid. This is not an endorsement of this project," Myers said, adding the presentation was meant to illustrate options under consideration.

Why it matters: County corrections officials said fentanyl and more potent analogs such as carfentanil are present in the community and can cause overdoses. Myers said the equipment could reduce contraband entering the jail and limit staff exposure. He said officials will investigate using opioid settlement funds rather than county tax dollars to pay for the equipment, noting similar purchases in other jurisdictions.

Costs and procurement details: Myers provided rough cost estimates: about $150,000 for a millimeter‑wave unit, roughly $150,000 for a CT scanner for possessions, and $40,000–$80,000 for an electronic drug‑identifying device; together he said the three items would be "under $400,000." He said the county has not issued requests for proposals and that the figures are preliminary.

Opioid response and antidotes: Myers also reviewed recent Narcan administration tracking the jail began in January. He said staff recorded administering Narcan to two people in January (six doses), four people in February (16 doses) and five people in March (16 doses). "Narcan is only effective on opioids," Myers said. He described a planned meeting with a company that produces an opioid antidote called OPVI (referred to in the meeting as Opvie), saying that antidote has a longer half‑life than Narcan and might reduce the need for multiple doses despite higher per‑dose cost.

Education and construction updates: Myers told the committee the jail education program had 36 GED graduates in the past year, with 72 active students and 107 on the wait list. He also provided construction photos and a status update on the mental‑health addition, describing precast concrete stair and elevator towers recently lifted into place and removal of exterior brick where the existing building will connect to the new structure.

Committee response and next steps: Commissioners asked about the causes of overdoses, hospital testing and how often Narcan is used; Myers said hospital test results are not always available to the jail. He said staff will look into financing options, including opioid settlement funds, and that any purchase would follow the county procurement process. No procurement decision was taken at the committee meeting.