Body Scanners Purchased to Protect Inmates and Staff

Body scanners will soon be used in adult correctional facilities across the province to help protect inmates and staff from drugs, weapons and other contraband.

“Safety and security within our correctional facilities is our top priority,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Mark Furey. “These body scanners will enhance security, protect inmates and provide safer environments for our Correctional Services staff.”

The tender for five body scanners was awarded Wednesday, Jan. 31. In the coming months two will be in place at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility (Halifax Regional Municipality), and one each at the Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility (Pictou County), Southwest Nova Scotia Correctional Facility (Yarmouth County), and Cape Breton Correctional Facility (Cape Breton Regional Municipality).

Body scanners have been proven to detect drugs, weapons and other types of contraband that is attempted to be smuggled into facilities.

The cost of the five body scanners is about $1 million.

The purchase of the body scanners supports Nova Scotia’s Opioid Use and Overdose Framework, which was put in place in 2017 to tackle the immediate impacts and long-term effects of opioid use and overdose in Nova Scotia. Naloxone kits are also available in all correctional facilities.

For more information about the framework visit www.novascotia.ca/opioid.