Pawnee County is one of more than 30 law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma that is implementing a new biometric identification system that scans inmates' eyes.
Deputy Sheriff Nick Mahoney told News On 6's Erin Conrad that the technology has already proven beneficial to jail officials.
The Pawnee County Jail has been using the system for about a week and says it has already cut check-in times in half and alerted them to potential red flags or health concerns.
Deputy Sheriff Mahoney demonstrated how the new system streamlines the detention process by scanning inmates' eyes.
“Right now, inmates have to fill out an inmate intake form and then we have to ask the inmate a bunch of questions. This system streamlines that process,” Mahoney said.
The new procedures will reduce the time it takes officers, deputies and National Guardsmen to register inmates from 30 minutes to 15 minutes.
“This means the booking process will be reduced from 30 minutes to 15 minutes,” he added.
The system also identifies medical history and health risks, including concerns related to COVID-19 and hepatitis.
“While we can't predict medical emergencies, it certainly helps medical staff treating inmates while they're incarcerated,” Mahoney said.
The technology, which will cost tens of thousands of dollars, will be provided at no cost to the sheriff's office and 35 other local agencies through a CDC grant and the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association.
“I know some people are going to say, 'I'm from the government. I'm here to help you,' that's the worst thing they've ever heard, but this is great for law enforcement and great for law-abiding citizens, and one day this will replace fingerprints,” Mahoney said.
