HHENDERSON, Ky. — The Henderson County Detention Center is dealing with a rising drug smuggling issue among inmates, but a new machine could help slow down the issue.
What You Need To Know
- A new machine can scan inmates' hands, pieces of paper, and more for drug substances
- It will be used every day at the Henderson County Detention Center
- The new machine is portable, making it easy to scan inmates
- Some inmates have found ways to receive drugs via mail and that includes even receiving liquified substances
Branch Captain Megan McElfresh says that the new machine can collect even the smallest traces of drugs.
"We can swab an inmates hands, we can swab a piece of paper, we can swab a small amount of a substance, and we can test it that way," said McElfresh.
Some inmates have found ways to receive drugs via mail and that includes even receiving liquified substances.
"In recent months, we have had them get a little bit more clever, and it’s been liquified drugs that get soaked in the paper," said McElfresh. "You might see a smudge that makes you think this is suspicious and sometimes there might be a smell."
The new machine will be put to use immediately, and according to McElfresh, will become a part of frequent screenings for inmates.
"It's going to be an important part of probably every day in the future as we learn to use it," said McElfresh.
The new machine, along with previous protocols, will be used to help keep inmates and staff safer.
