Correctional facilities to get full-body scanners

The decision to proceed with this project follows a successful six-month pilot project at the Toronto South Detention Centre that resulted in a reduction in contraband, reduced incidents involving weapons and improved overall institutional safety and security.

Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to install full-body scanners in all adult correctional facilities. The total cost of the scanners, including maintenance on the units over 10 years, is $9.5 million.

“Moving forward with the installation of full-body scanners in all of Ontario’s adult correctional facilities will further improve staff and inmate safety, reduce contraband and build safer communities for everyone,” says Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Full-body security scanning systems safely scan bodies for external and internal contraband not detected by existing security measures.

These units have also been recommended in several Coroner’s Inquests, and are highly supported by correctional officers, provincial health and safety committees, and other correctional staff, according to the Ministry.