New Technology Makes 'Terrifying' Discovery In Hudson Valley

Officials believe this new technology "saved many lives."

The Orange County Sheriff's Office reports it has "successfully integrated" the SOTER RS body scanner into the Corrections Division's security screening protocols.

New Technology Working In Orange County Jail

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"This advanced technology enhances the screening process for inmates in a nonintrusive and highly effective manner," the Orange County Sheriff's Office stated in a press release. "The SOTER RS body scanners play a crucial role in detecting and preventing contraband smuggling within the Correctional Facility. They significantly mitigate the associated risks of having contraband in a correctional facility."

In the past six months the new body scanners have helped officials find drugs on at least five people, officials say.

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"The scanners have already proven their value, and we are confident they will continue to create a safer environment for all who enter our facility," Colonel Lawrence Catletti said.

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Advanced Technology Helps With Two "Significant" Findings

In the past few weeks the body scanners helped with "two significant contraband findings" on two inmates entering Orange County Jail, officials say.

A ceramic knife was found with one body scan. The second positive body scan resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of drugs.

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One body scan found 9.3 grams of cocaine, (24) 15mg oxycodone pills, 5.6 grams of buprenorphine, 10.2 grams of marijuana, two functional lighters, two bundles of rolling paper.

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A second scan found more marijuana and fentanyl, officials say.

"Just thinking about the dangers posed by these items in our facility is terrifying. Intercepting these dangerous drugs and weapons potentially saved many lives," Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said.

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The names of the inmates found the the knife and drugs haven't been released. It's unclear if any charges were filed.

These 7 Prisons Are The Most Violent In New York State

New York released a report with the most recent number of violent assaults on inmates in state prisons. There were 134 inmate deaths noted in the report, although it doesn't break down the prisons where each death occurred or who caused them. Here's a look at some of the general violent incidents reported for 2020, which is the most recent data reported by the state. Compared to 10 years ago, inmate assaults have almost doubled. In 2011 there were 666 and in 2020 there were 1,205 reported. These numbers do not include inmate assaults on staff members. Overall, the number of unusual incidents includes things like assaults, deaths, accidents, sexual misconduct, and disruptive behavior. According to the state,

"The number of unusual incidents has increased 132% from 5,980 in 2011 to 13,870 in 2020. These higher incident numbers were largely due to increases in assaults on incarcerated individuals (+81%), assaults on staff (+86%), contraband (+130%), disruptive behavior (+372%), and staff use of weapons (+1,035%)."

In 2020, 1,836 weapons used to cut or stab, including ice picks, razor blades, can lids and shanks were discovered in state prisons around New York.

Gallery Credit: Yasmin Young

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A bus full of New York prisoners went up in flames in the Hudson Valley near I-84.

Gallery Credit: Bobby Welber

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