Deputies received training Wednesday on how to use the new body scanner, the Adani Clearpass, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. The high-throughput body scanner is similar in design to what travelers encounter at Denver International Airport.
But the Clearpass features innovative software that uses a color-coded system to highlight contraband, including electronic devices, weapons, drugs and other items that new inmates could try sneaking into the jail, according to the release. The sheriff’s office is the first entity to receive the Clearpass system, the release states.
“The Weld County Jail has been working diligently to reduce the amount of contraband in the facility and safeguard the citizens in our custody,” Weld County Jail Captain Matt Turner said in the release. “This ongoing effort has inspired improvements to our deputy training, use of the Weld County Posse to assist with facility searches and the implementation of a single purpose narcotics detection K9.”
Anyone arriving at the jail on new criminal charges will be subject to a full body scan. Jail officials also plan to use the scanner if they suspect an inmate is hiding contraband. The agency hopes to have the entire staff trained and the scanner fully operational by the weekend.
The sheriff’s office purchased the Clearpass system for $134,950, using a combination of grant money and county funds budgeted for 2020. The scans are printable and can be used as evidence in court or obtained by the public through an open records request under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to preserving public safety and while it is unfortunate that this type of technology is required, we believe the body scanner is a much-needed addition for maintaining a safe facility,” Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams said in the release.
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