Vernon County jail installs high-tech inmate body scanner

VERNON CO., Mo. (KOAM) - The Vernon County Jail has enhanced its security measures with the installation of a new x-ray body scan machine.

Announced by Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher on Thursday, the body scanner will soon become a standard part of the inmate intake process.

The advanced scanner, valued at $185,000, was procured through a grant secured by Chief Deputy Travis Cole earlier this year. Sheriff Mosher explained that the machine operates similarly to an airport scanner and is capable of detecting concealed items such as drugs, weapons, and other contraband on a suspect's body.

"We have been trying to obtain a jail body scanner for several years, and it's nice to finally have one installed at no cost to the taxpayers." - Chief Deputy Cole

He further explained that while inmates are currently searched during intake, body cavity searches are not part of the procedure. The new scanner will fill this gap by identifying smuggled items that could otherwise go undetected.

"This is a common way for suspects to smuggle drugs into jail facilities all around the country," Cole said. He emphasized that the scanner would expedite the intake process while simultaneously enhancing security.

Jail staff are scheduled to undergo training on the new device next week, after which the scanner will be integrated into the regular intake procedures.

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