Skip to content
Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
The Voice of Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

Sheriff Beth Arthur announced a new security measure in place at the Arlington County Detention Center. A full body scanner has been installed in the Processing area of the facility, which will prevent arrestees from smuggling in prohibited items, no matter where in the body the items are concealed.

“This full body scanner will make the Detention Center safer for both inmates and staff by serving as a deterrent to those individuals who may attempt to enter the facility in possession of prohibited items,” Sheriff Arthur said.

“The Board is funding a series of improvements at the Detention Center meant to keep both staff and inmates safe,” Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey said. “We think it is important to leverage technology whenever possible, and the body scanner is a perfect example of that.”

The scanner is designed to locate drugs, paraphernalia, and weapons that an individual may hide on their person or in a body cavity. It will complement existing security measures, to include pat searches.

The whole-body imaging system uses an extremely low dosage of x-rays to provide a non-invasive, but detailed look at the entire body. Exposure is automatically tracked to maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal safety regulations.

Sheriff Beth Arthur and Board Chair Christian Dorsey
Sheriff Beth Arthur and Board Chair Christian Dorsey

 

Left to right: Corporal Coles, Sheriff Arthur, Corporal Rivas, Mr. Dorsey and Deputy Meyer