Last year an inmate died in the Houston County Jail due to medical issues — but some new tech for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office could help prevent that happening again.
That tech comes in the form of sensors from 4Sight Labs worn around the wrist or ankle that allow jail staff to monitor inmates’ health vitals using a cell phone with an app installed.
Sheriff Donald Valenza paid for the sensors from his funds. The 15 sensors the jail now has billed about $50,000, aside from upkeep costs.
They’re not easily destroyed, and the wristband is lockable with a 300-pound resistance, said Captain David Asbill.
The county jail typically has six to eight inmates on suicide watch on any given day, but the sensors can help people with health issues or those recovering from drug or alcohol withdrawals.
Staff can watch for pulse spikes or temperature fluctuations and can go check on the inmate if anything looks off.
Shelby County has been using the sensors for under two years, and they’ve been able to save three lives.
Some certified nursing assistants have stepped in on nights to supply medical care, but these sensors will allow for much quicker action.
“You could check on an inmate right now, then two minutes later, you could have a medical emergency,” Asbill said. “This monitor will let us know immediately.”
