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JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INTRODUCE FULL-BODY SCANNER

08/10/2016

John Peak.jpg

Pictured Above: John Peak, installer with Rapiscan Systems as he test newly

installed Rapiscan 1000SP full-body scanner in District Court building.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Lafayette Woods, Jr.

Operation Commander/Public Information Officer

870.541.5351-OFFICE/870.329.5652-CELL

Email: lafayette.woods@jeffcoso.org

JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE INTRODUCE FULL-BODY SCANNER: Jefferson County, Arkansas – August 9, 2016-In an effort to continue to improve upon security for our judges and their staff, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) introduced one of two new Rapiscan 1000SP full-body scanners that should reduce the need for a more invasive search such as a “strip search” for contraband and weapons that could potentially threaten the security of the courts.

 

The scanners retail for $100,000.00 and were previously used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in airports across the country. However, the JCSO purchased the scanners in late 2015 from the State of Arkansas’ Department of Emergency Management Federal Surplus Property Division for $3,500.00. The original installation date for the scanners was setback due to the installer scheduling availability.

 

“The way deputies conduct searches in our facilities that restrict the introduction of certain items has been revolutionized. Full-body scanners can spot minute amounts of contraband to include both metallic and organic materials that are not always detected by current metal detectors used by us.”

 

The emerging technology of scanners enhances body scans by identifying a variety of materials. These scanners and others alike have been used for years by law enforcement agencies like ours to search for metal and contraband concealed on individuals.

 

“The Rapiscan uses transmission imaging to conduct a virtual body scan. Those entering the building that house our district courts stand on a rubber like platform that is positioned between two steel panels of the scanner, which scans the body with a radiation beam. As the beam passes over the body, and the system measures how much density is left in the beam. The information is then processed and relayed to a computer that reconstructs the image. Deputies operating the system study the rendering of the individual to see if anything looks out of place.”

 

"Although we feel that the scanner will help create a better sense of safety for our judges and courthouse staff, it doesn’t necessarily replace other methods used to conduct searches. However, it most definitely increases your quality of search and the quantity of searches you can do in a day."