RACINE — X-ray technology is helping keep drugs and weapons out of the Racine County Jail.
Two "through-body" scanners were installed recently to detect items hidden by people going through intake, or those being released on Huber privileges.
Before the new scanners were installed, jail staff used metal detectors and relied on physical searches.
However, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling says the new system is already paying off.
"It's been an extreme deterrent,It's gotten out on the street that this is not the place to bring your contraband or hide contraband," Schmaling said.
The Sheriff believes that this will be an especially helpful tool for inmates released on Huber privileges, to ensure that inmates don't return with forbidden items.
Each body scanner costs nearly $120,000, however it didn't cost taxpayers a dime.
The new machines were paid for with revenue from inmate commissary, according to the Sheriff.
