Chelan County Jail shows off new medical sensors for incarcerated individuals

WENATCHEE — The Chelan County Regional Justice Center hosted roughly 30 participants from nine Washington jails on Tuesday so they could get a first-hand view of the new medical sensors that were installed in twelve intake and holding cells.

Jail director Chris Sharp has previously spoken about the decision to install sensors as a response to the increasing frequency of drug overdoses and ailments, with roughly 75% of incarcerated individuals in the process of detoxing from substances.

The new sensors were purchased for $73,800 from Reassurance Solutions, a medical technology company based out of Kentucky, with the cost including initial installation and annual maintenance. The sensors are roughly the same size as a smoke detector, waterproof, and are installed on the ceilings of the cells. The technology within the sensors monitors the vital signs of cellmates, including heart and respiratory rates, and alerts jail staff if a rapid change occurs.

The presentation at the county jail on Tuesday began with a Q&A before heading off to a holding cell to demonstrate the sensor and technology in action.

“At Chelan County, we look to be a leader when it comes to setting the standard for caring for the incarcerated in this state,” said Sharp. “When we can share something new with our peers that we’re excited about, that’s something we all benefit from.”

A representative from Reassurance Solutions attended the county jail’s presentation and said that roughly 60 jails across the US are now using the sensors. However, the Chelan County Regional Justice Center is the first facility in the state to install multiple high-tech sensors, with the intention of installing more over time.