Ohio jail idles scanner because of health concern

CINCINNATI (AP) — A southwest Ohio jail has halted use of an inmate scanning machine because state health rules don’t allow it.

The Hamilton County Jail had been using the scanner since 2012, and it had detected a small gun, screwdriver, pocket knives, balloons full of drugs and other items hidden on or inside inmates, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

But last August state inspectors ordered the jail to stop using the SecurPass full-body digital scanner because it uses radiation.

Ohio Health Department spokeswoman Tessie Pollock said the state administrative code prohibits the use of an X-ray unless it is prescribed by a physician.

Sheriff Jim Neil said the rules are antiquated. The company that makes the scanners says they use little radiation and aren’t dangerous, he said.

The scanners are used at 100 sites in 30 other states, according to the company.