FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — The Venango County Jail will be getting a body scanner after the Venango County Commissioner authorized the purchase of one from NUTECH at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 10.

The cost of the scanner is $130,000.00 and comes with a two-year warranty. The county will also buy a three-year extended warranty for years three, four, and five at a cost of $6,000.00 a year.

“It will help prevent contraband like drugs, knives that sort of thing from being brought in,” Venango County Jail Warden Jeff Ruditis said.

Ruditis said the money to pay for the body scanner won’t come from County money but instead will be paid for out of the inmate fund.

Venango County Commissioner Vince Witherup asked Ruditis if the new scanner will “substantially” cut down on the amount of contraband being brought into the jail.

“Yes,” Ruditis said. “Many jails that already have one have found a lot of stuff.”

In additional jail action, the Commissioners ratified an agreement between the Prison and Partners for a Safer America, Inc., to do jailhouse advertising.

According to Ruditis, the company advertises for bail bondsman, attorneys, etc.

“It is at no cost to the County,” Ruditis, who said posters advertising the above-mentioned services will be posted in the jail.

“Sixty percent of the profit (made by Partners for a Safer America) goes to the County.”

The Commissioners also approved a renewal of a contract with RELIAS to provide web-based training sessions for correction staff at a cost of $6,900.54 per year.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business the Commissioners: