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Faulty metal detectors increasing officer stabbings at LA jail

Only 1 of 7 scanners is operational, putting deputies at serious risk

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Inmates’ arms and hands are seen through barred doors on a cell block at Men’s Central Jail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles, Wednesday, May 19, 2004. (AP photo)

Corrections1 Staff

LOS ANGELES — Aging metal detectors at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail are posing a serious risk to staff and inmate safety, sheriff’s officials said Wednesday in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

Because all but one of the seven detectors at the jail are out of service, inmates are finding it increasingly easier to smuggle scrap metal weapons around the facility, Sheriff’s Capt. Daniel Cruz said.

In response to the lack of quality equipment, officers at the jail have been forced to increase pat-downs and cell searches. This, coupled with knowledge of the faulty detectors, has increased the frequency of officer stabbings.

The Sheriff’s Department has promised it will replace three of the seven metal detectors at the jail, which houses about 4,000 male inmates.

Learn more at the Los Angeles Times website.