(OCCJA) Okmulgee County: In a small Oklahoma county, big changes are happening. The Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA) has just taken a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of everyone within its correctional facility. Thanks to the support of funds from an opioid abatement settlement, the facility now has a brand-new full-body scanner—an impressive piece of technology that’s already making a difference.

A Game-Changer for Security

Imagine walking into the correctional facility and knowing that every single person is being carefully screened—not just for metal objects but for any kind of contraband that could pose a threat. Weapons, drugs, and other dangerous items are real concerns, and traditional search methods can sometimes miss things hidden in clothing or even within the body. That’s where the full-body scanner comes in.
This new device can do what no metal detector or manual search can: it uses advanced imaging to spot concealed items in a completely non-invasive way. With just one scan, correctional officers can quickly and accurately identify contraband that could otherwise slip through the cracks.

Respecting Privacy While Enhancing Safety

One of the most remarkable things about this new scanner is that it not only boosts security but also does so in a way that respects people’s privacy. In the past, manual pat-downs or more invasive searches could feel dehumanizing, even though they were necessary for safety. Now, with the full-body scanner, there’s no need for physical contact.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, even when they’re in custody,” Captain Russell explains. “This technology helps us maintain that balance between safety and dignity.”

The Story Behind the Funding

The installation of the full-body scanner was made possible by funds from an opioid abatement settlement, which OCCJA Chairman R. David Walker played a key role in directing toward this vital project. Initially, the OCCJA was exploring the possibility of financing the scanner with a loan, but Chairman Walker saw an opportunity to help.

“When I heard in the board meeting that the OCCJA might need to take out a loan to finance the scanner, I knew we had an opportunity to help,” said Walker. “Okmulgee County had received funds from the opioid settlement, and I felt strongly that this was a great way to use those resources.”

Walker advocated for thinking outside the box and using the settlement funds to support this critical piece of technology. “I didn’t want to see the Authority burdened with debt over something so crucial to our community’s safety,” Walker explained. “The opioid crisis has deeply affected our county, and this scanner is one more way we can fight it head-on.”

Executive Director of OCCJA, Shannon Clark, also expressed his gratitude for the collaboration that made the scanner possible: “I am honored that our board of county commissioners offered to partner with the OCCJA and purchase this state-of-the-art piece of equipment. The value of this piece of equipment is not only weighed by its functional capabilities, but by its ability to deter individuals wanting to smuggle contraband into the jail. Even though this is a significant monetary contribution to the jail, it does not overshadow the unknown lives that we will save with this piece of equipment.”

Thanks to this settlement, the OCCJA was able to prevent dangerous substances like opioids and fentanyl from entering the facility without going into debt, reinforcing the safety of both inmates and staff. The scanner is part of a broader initiative to fight the opioid crisis while protecting lives inside the correctional facility.

Saving Time and Improving Operations

The benefits of the full-body scanner go beyond safety. It’s also making day-to-day operations more efficient. In the past, it took time to do thorough searches, and even then, there was the risk of missing something. Now, screening happens in just seconds.

This time-saving aspect means less waiting during intake, allowing officers to get back to their other important duties more quickly. 

Looking Toward the Future. 

The full-body scanner represents more than just a new gadget. It’s a symbol of the OCCJA’s commitment to staying ahead of security challenges in an ever-evolving world. As threats change, so must the strategies used to combat them, and the OCCJA is proud to be on the cutting edge.

Thanks to the scanner—and the support from the opioid abatement settlement—Okmulgee County is now better equipped to handle contraband concerns, while also upholding the dignity of those in their care. It’s a step toward a safer, more secure future for everyone.