Ion scanners are being installed at 14 more correctional facilities in Ontario, including the North Bay Jail.
The announcement means every adult correctional facility in the province will have the contraband detection technology.
“Our government is following through on the commitment to equip corrections staff with the modern tools and technology they need to do their job safely and securely,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “This is yet another step in our contraband strategy to enhance detection and prevention to protect the safety and well-being of our staff as well as those in custody.”
Ion scanners are security tools used to detect and identify trace elements of drugs and are an added layer of security to help prevent illegal substances from entering facilities.
Work is underway to complete staff training and have all ion scanners fully operational by fall 2021.
“The OPSEU Ministry Employee Relations Committee members are pleased that ion scanners will be at all 25 institutions in Ontario,” said Chad Oldfield, Co-Chair of the SolGen Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee. “These scanners are an important tool to help ensure the continued safety of all staff and inmates in our institutions.”
We’re enhancing security and increasing safety at adult correctional facilities across Ontario by installing ion scanners including at the North Bay Jail.
The new scanners will help keep contraband and illegal substances out of our facilities. https://t.co/j4nNG1LwCZ pic.twitter.com/chzHdrhMLg
— Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) August 9, 2021