Scott Ratliff
WVAH-FM — Recent overdoses and contraband findings have prompted a heightened security level at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, that’s according to Byron Hansford. Hansford, who is the Administrator at the Detention Center.
In recent weeks, Hansford told WYMT his staff had discovered “Drugs, tobacco and cigarette lighters” in the inmates possession and they (staff members) needed to take the “extra step” in an attempt to crackdown.
Recently, the Detention Center purchased a body scanner, but according to Hansford, “I think the staff has been solely depending on that (scanner) and here recently, we have started not only body scanning but also strip searches. The body scanner is nice, but we have to go back to the old way of doing things to try to prevent those things from getting into the jail,” said Hansford.
Hansford also said his staff needed better training, to help keep these items from entering the jail once the inmates are booked. As inmates come into the jail, they walk onto a platform, which then moves through the scanner. A screen will then show employees important areas to check. Hansford also said the employees themselves are subject to the body scanner if needed.
Although the Detention Center has a maximum capacity of 152 inmates, Hansford said right now the Detention Center houses 218, which is down from a few months ago. The Detention Center is currently looking to hire more experienced employees with part-time and full-time positions available.
I think he’s doing a wonderful job and far as the employees they should have to do the body scan as well how do you think these inmates get the tobacco and drugs. Matter of time you will be seeing an article guards resign for giving inmates tobacco and drugs.
Good job Byron Hansford!