Full body scanner helps YCSO prevent contraband from entering jail

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office Detention Center has new technologies that detect contraband and provide an efficient way to visit the prisoners.

In June 2018, YCSO installed an x-ray machine similar to the ones inside the airports and doctor's office.

The machine scans prisoners when they enter the facility, and officers are able to detect any contraband in the body.

So far the technology has proved to be successful as officers have stopped ten instances ranging from prisoners trying to bring meth, fentanyl, and heroin into the detention center.

By being able to detect contraband, officers said they are creating a safer environment for the prisoners.

The prisoners have access to tablets that provide educational services, a library, and several other downloaded things to do.

Officers said they are seeing fewer prisoners spending their time doing nothing.

It really shows an increase in proactivity and the prisoners are spending more time in the dayroom and interacting with each other.

Lastly, there's a way for the prisoners to stay connected to family members who can't make it to visitation hours.

They're called remote visits similar to Skype and Facetime where the prisoners can video chat with a family or friend who is in the comfort of their own home.