The Minnehaha County Jail will use a new device to monitor inmates with health problems, Sioux Falls Live

SIOUX FALLS — The Minnehaha County Jail will soon have new equipment to monitor the health of high-risk inmates.

Jailer Mike Mattson and Sheriff Mike Milstead said the 20 ankle bracelets will be part of a pilot program that could eventually be rolled out statewide.

Sensors on the device – a new technology they say will go a long way in preventing tragedies – will check pulse, skin temperature, oxygen saturation and movement.

They are called “medical threat” units and are offered by San Francisco-based 4SightLabs.

Milstead said they admit about 20,000 inmates a year and on Mondays can house up to 120 inmates, many of whom are going through the intake process and may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

He added that those arrested may use opioids, fentanyl, methamphetamine or have serious alcohol addictions and are often monitored by prison medical staff. However, this will be another way to find out if any problems will arise, without constant observation and even after being placed in a prison cell.

The sheriff said some inmates at the jail suffer from illnesses such as cancer and the devices could help monitor them, as well as those held indoors in certain situations.

“If we can stop just one death in custody, it will be worth it,” Mattson said.

In a letter to commissioners who approved the project at their Tuesday, May 21 meeting, Milstead and Mattson said the devices could save lives, reduce medical emergencies and help especially during prison admissions where inmates may still be under the influence of drugs or leave the house. chemicals.

They say the situation could deteriorate quickly.

Dan Satterlee, director of the state Department of Criminal Investigations, also attended the meeting and praised the effort.

He said many rural jails could really benefit from monitoring devices in the coming years because they don’t have medical staff or even video systems to check on inmates. Statewide staffing shortages could also increase the value of the devices, he added.

The project will be funded through state funds and funds already in the prison budget for medication-assisted treatment provided by the state Department of Human Services.

DSS is also providing $36,500 in funding for the project from the state’s opioid settlement, and Attorney General Marty Jackley has approved the use of nearly $60,000 in asset forfeiture funds for convicted drug dealers and criminals.

The company will receive approximately $115,000 to launch the program in the first year, as it includes setup, training and necessary equipment.

The annual cost of the monitors will be approximately $44,000.

In response to a question, Commissioner Jen Bleyenberg Mattson said having the system would not require adding staff.

Mattson said they have enough funding for the first two years of the pilot program.

Commissioner Jean Bender said these efforts demonstrated the prison’s commitment to caring for inmates and ensuring the best medical outcomes

“I think it’s a great investment,” she said.