Press Release

Publish Date: 1/18/2023

New Body Scanner Installed at County Correctional Facility Device

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 18, 2023

Contact: Sheriff Jeffery T. Smith jsmith@sheriff.montgomery.ny.us 518-853-5533
Morgan McClary, MMcClary@co.montgomery.ny.us; 518-774-9138

New Body Scanner Installed at County Correctional Facility
Device to Improve Safety and Security by Detecting Contraband

FULTONVILLE— Montgomery County Sheriff Jeffery T. Smith and Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort announced the installation of a new full-body scanner, at the county’s Correctional Facility, which is intended to prevent dangerous contraband from entering the building.

“The goal and purpose of this equipment is to assist in identifying and hopefully eliminating contraband from coming into the building,” Smith said.

The Soter RS detects contraband items such as weapons, drugs or cellphones by using transmission image technology. The equipment was funded in the 2023 budget, directly from revenue realized through the jail housing non-Montgomery County incarcerated persons.

“Sheriff Smith makes staying on top of the latest technology a priority,” Ossenfort said. “I commend the Sheriff for his commitment to the continuous improvement of the safety and security at the correctional facility.”

In 2022, Smith said, there were 70 incidents involving some sort of contraband in the facility.

“Some of those contraband cases are dangerous and others are minor, but any contraband in the facility is a potential safety hazard to staff, so I’m hopeful this device will eliminate these incidents,” he said. “I’m grateful for the support of the Executive and County Legislature as we continuously look to enhance the safety for not only the public, but our staff and the incarcerated persons in our custody.”

“The Sheriff’s Office has always been diligent when it comes to pursing new avenues towards their commitment to public safety,” Montgomery County Legislative Chairman Robert Purtell said. “I’m confident this full-body scanner will provide an additional layer of security. I applaud the Sheriff’s decision to bring leading-edge technology to the correctional facility.”
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