SMETHPORT — The McKean County Jail has officially installed a state-of-the-art full-body scanner, thanks to a combination of Congressional Community Project Funding and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

McKean County commissioners and Sheriff Dan Woods announced the procurement and installation of this advanced equipment, with a grant submitted by former Pennsylvania State Sen. Bob Casey covering 75% of the costs, while the remainder was covered with the utilization of ARPA funds allocated by commissioners. This investment is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance the jail’s safety and security.

After recognizing the need for a full-body scanner, the county began exploring funding options for the project. In early 2022, Theresa Wilcox, chair of the County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, applied for a PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency grant, but the request was not approved.

At the time of Woods’ request for a body scanner, several grants opportunities and funding streams were available. The County ARPA Committee, along with the economic development office and the commissioners, reviewed the funding options. Their aim was to procure the scanner for the jail while addressing other critical needs through the County General budget. In early 2023, during a meeting with Casey’s office, Commissioner Carol Duffy raised the possibility of the jail scanner being considered for support with congressionally directed funds. In April 2023, the county was informed that the project would move forward.

However, accessing the awarded funds is a lengthy process. Because the grant involves federal funding, the county submitted a formal application to the U.S.

Department of Justice (DOJ). In late August 2024, the county received official notification that the funds were available.

In collaboration, the county sheriff, commissioners, controller, treasurer and economic development liaison worked together to meet the DOJ’s requirements, and the scanner was purchased in January. The newly installed Tek84 Intercept scanner is a cutting-edge x-ray body scanning system designed to quickly detect weapons, drugs, cell phones and other contraband. This technology plays a vital role in improving safety in correctional facilities by identifying both metallic and nonmetallic threats hidden on or inside a person’s body in just 3.8 seconds. The system uses ultra-low-dose x-ray scanning to provide clear, sharp images, ensuring thorough detection. It is also the only x-ray body scanning system for law enforcement made in the USA. Additionally, the Intercept scanner is equipped with an FDAapproved thermal scanner that records each subject’s temperature, providing an early indication of COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Full-body scanners like the one now installed at McKean County Jail, officials said, are essential for enhancing security by detecting contraband.

The scanner not only aids in the prevention of smuggling attempts but also contributes to a safer environment for both inmates and correctional staff. It reduces the need for invasive pat-down searches, which can be uncomfortable.

Woods commented, “We are thrilled to announce the installation of the full-body scanner at the McKean County Jail. This cutting-edge technology represents an important advancement in our ongoing efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of both our staff and inmates.

By effectively detecting contraband and reducing the risk of dangerous incidents, the scanner will play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment within our facility. We are immensely grateful for the support of our community and the funding that made this possible.”

McKean County Commissioner Tom Kreiner added, “Today marks an important step forward in improving the safety and security of our county jail. By investing in this equipment, we’re not only enhancing our security measures, but we’re also demonstrating our commitment to upholding the law and protecting the well-being of everyone involved. I’m confident this scanner will help us maintain a safer, more secure facility and create a more effective and efficient process for managing inmates.”