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Finney County approves $175,799 bid for body scanner at jail, moves funds to law enforcement account
Summary
The Board authorized purchase of a Tech 84 body scanner for $175,799 and approved transferring $100,000 from the jail telephone fund to the law enforcement fund, with $75,799 to come from equipment reserves; the scanner is intended to reduce contraband and aid medical screening.
The Finney County Board of County Commissioners approved the sheriff’s request to purchase a full-body scanning system for the county jail at a contract price of $175,799 and authorized a $100,000 transfer from the jail telephone fund to the law enforcement fund to comply with auditor guidance. The remaining $75,799 will be paid from equipment reserves.
Sheriff Steve Martinez told the board the scanner would allow staff to detect weapons, drugs and other contraband concealed on incoming inmates and includes thermal detection to flag fevers or other medical risks at intake. The sheriff said the equipment would reduce labor-intensive physical searches and improve safety for staff and detainees. The procurement was publicly advertised, with one bid received from Tech 84 Advanced Security Screening.
Commissioners asked whether the scanner retains images and whether those would be public records; county counsel said she needed time to review public-records implications. Commissioners approved two motions: first transferring $100,000 into the law enforcement fund and second authorizing the purchase consistent with the funding plan. Both motions passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: The scanner represents a sizable equipment purchase intended to enhance jail security and medical screening. Commissioners emphasized compliance with procurement rules and auditor direction when moving funds between restricted county accounts.
Next steps: County counsel will review public-records implications of any images or scans the equipment produces and staff will proceed with procurement consistent with the approved funding structure.
