Two Full Body Scanners Being Purchased for Livingston County JailTwo Full Body Scanners Being Purchased for Livingston County Jail

2/19/14 - The purchase of two new full body scanners is expected to help maintain safety and security at the Livingston County Jail but also ensure inmates don’t possess contraband. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at Tuesday night’s meeting authorizing the Sheriff to purchase two body scanners from the State of Michigan at a cost of $27,000 and up to $10,000 for training and maintenance agreements. The scanners can be used to effectively search inmates for contraband without touching an inmate via a pat down or strip search, which is expected to reduce liability and security concerns. The two body scanners are former TSA scanners and if purchased new, would cost over $150,000. Jail officials say a unique opportunity presented itself bypassing the process of competitive bidding. The scanners are offered through a program initiated by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority designed to be a risk management and avoidance strategy. It has offered to reimburse member counties that take advantage of the program a portion of the final costs, which will be determined by how many units are purchased by members. (JM)