New body scanner and K-9 unit approved for the Milwaukee County Jail

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new body scanner will be installed at the Milwaukee County Jail, as well as a new K-9 team. 

The moved was approved by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. 

An audit of the jail wrapped up last week, showing issues with inmate mental health, staffing and lack of oversight. 

The sheriff's office says opioid reversal drug 'NARCAN' has been given to inmates 50 times since 2020. That includes five incidents this year - two of which ended in death. 

The agency says the new scanner and K-9 unit can help prevent drugs from getting into the jail. 

As for supervisors, they say it's about saving lives - and finding out where contraband is coming from. 

"This will make sure that we obviously cut down on the contraband that we get into the jail and at least we'll know also of it," said Supervisor Justin Bielinski. "Ends up being staff bringing it in, this will help us to know that and we need to know that." 

The move will cost just over $252,000 but the funds are already covered by the funding set aside to handle overflow from the Racine County Jail.