Santa Cruz County Jail Gets Airport-Like Contraband Scanner

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Sneaking in contraband to the Santa Cruz Main Jail just got harder. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office has installed a body scanner, similar to those used in airport security, to determine whether inmates are attempting to bring weapons or drugs into the jail, on their person.

The scanners provide high-resolution, full body scans, according to a press release.

"I have no doubt catching drugs and other contraband before they are brought into the jail will save lives," said Sheriff Jim Hart in the press release.

To address drug problems in Santa Cruz County jails, a grand jury report from September recommended the sheriff's office "research and evaluate" body scanning equipment to detect drugs coming into facilities.

The board of supervisors approved a lease for a body scanner at Main Jail as part of the fiscal year 2019/2020 budget. Most people booked into county facilities are processed through Main Jail.