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Scanner will be a big help

Columbiana County Jail officials will have another weapon to use in the war on drugs. A full-body scanner will be installed to help stem the flow of drugs and other contraband being smuggled into the facility.

Searching inmate body cavities has become almost legally impossible without a warrant, but after three inmates overdosed at the jail in October of 2016, officials knew that more serious measures needed to be taken.

The body scanner should be able to reduce drug smuggling into the jail to near zero, but the cost previously was prohibitive.

Now, however, state Rep. Tim Ginter has requested that $250,000 to purchase a scanner be included in the capital budget after being asked to do so by Sheriff Ray Stone and county commissioners.

Ginter said he was glad he was able to secure funding for the scanner.

“In light of the fact people are smuggling not just drugs but weapons (into jails), this will make it safer for other inmates and staff,” he said.

The scanner will cost $212,000. “They’re free to do what they will with that extra money,” Ginter said.

The airport-style X-ray machine is to be installed in the jail’s booking area.

The state legislature is expected to approve the capital budget by the end of March.

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