Page County officials hear request for jail body scanner amid concerns over contraband and costs

A sheriff's office representative urged the Page County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to approve purchasing a body scanner for the county jail to detect concealed contraband, saying the device could reduce overdoses and improve safety.

The representative told the board the office has requested a scanner several times and plans to model procedures on regional jails. "It's very important that we have this body scanner," the representative said, arguing randomized screening of inmates and people entering from court would reduce contraband entering the facility.

Board members asked how often a person could be scanned, whether employees would be subject to routine scanning, and about long-term health and safety. The representative said the unit has an internal limit that prevents repeated scans past a manufacturer-set threshold and that the device's radiation output is "very minute." A board member said the device's visibility could deter someone from entering the facility with contraband.

Cost and funding drew repeated questions. The presenter described a higher-priced model chosen because it fits through a standard doorway and can be moved into the booking/chapel area for use. During discussion the presenter supplied numeric estimates transcribed in the meeting record (one figure transcribed as "1.62" and later references to a potential total near $130,000), said the jail received a PayTel payment of $35,000 that was deposited to the general fund, and noted warranty and service options. A meeting participant said an annual extended-warranty/service option was quoted at $6,400 per year. Board members asked staff to provide clearer, written cost and life‑expectancy information before a decision.

Moderator (S3) told the presenter to email the requested specifications and cost details; the board's plan is to act at its meeting on the 16th if the information is provided. No purchase motion or vote on the scanner occurred at this meeting.

The board also discussed accessibility and placement; the presenter said the vendor reviewed doorway dimensions by phone and email and indicated the proposed location would work. Several board members asked that staff include ADA considerations and manufacturer specifications in the packet for the next meeting.

Next steps: the sheriff's office representative will provide written specifications, manufacturer life-expectancy and warranty options for distribution to the board prior to the meeting the board plans to use to decide whether to purchase the scanner.