Starting January 2023, the Tennessee Department of Correction will need everyone going into a TDOC prison to be evaluated by a full body scanner. The new innovation boosts TDOC’s present security treatments by utilizing sophisticated imaging technology that allows security personnel to determine contraband being smuggled inside an individual’s body.
Personnel, visitors, volunteers and all other personnel will still be needed to comply with current security protocols. These include walking through a metal detector and allowing all personal belongings, outerwear, and shoes to travel through an x-ray maker. A person might also be required to undergo a pat-down or wand search.
“Like all correctional agencies across the country, Tennessee is in a continuous fight to keep contraband out of our facilities,” said Interim Commissioner Lisa Helton. “We are committed to meeting the developing hazard and our mission of operating safe and protected jails. The scanners will give our staff the ability to see what the naked eye can not and add an additional layer of security to our present method.”
The body scanners need to act as deterrents for individuals considering bringing contraband into a facility.
“Contraband is not simply drugs– it is anything not clearly allowed our facilities,” said Ms. Helton. “That might consist of tobacco, cell phones, weapons, and other electronics. Items like these type a risky environment for everybody inside and can interfere greatly with the rehab of offenders.”
TDOC screening technology is safe and satisfies nationwide health and safety requirements. People with a pacemaker or in a wheelchair, kids 16 years of age or more youthful, pregnant people or those who think they might be pregnant, will not be needed to clear the body scanner. Individuals with other mobility or physical conditions avoiding using the body scanner will be needed to go through all other security measures and need to produce paperwork (physician’s note, etc) throughout subsequent visits.
Anyone trying to present contraband into a correctional facility will be apprehended and might face prosecution.