Governor Cuomo Signs Weprin Body Scanner Bill
QUEENS, NEW YORK – Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D – Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) announced the signing of legislation by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo permitting the use of body image scanner devices in correctional facilities in New York City as part of an effort to reduce illegally smuggled contraband at city correctional facilities.
A6838 (Weprin) – S 5337 (Hannon) seeks to combat a rash of slashing and stabbing assaults involving the use of ceramic blades and exacto knives, which are undetectable with the use of regular metal detectors. The bill also includes safeguards against the over use of body scanning equipment including requirements for the operation of body scanner equipment relating to training of operators, limitations on exposure, registration and inspection requirements for body scanning equipment. Matching legislation was previously passed the State Senate earlier in the year.
“In light of the endemic violence at Rikers Island and the increasing use of ceramic blades as weapons among the inmate population, it is important to safeguard staff and inmates from the immediate and widespread threat of slashing,” said Assemblyman David I. Weprin. “This legislation strikes an even balance between protecting inmates from the horrific physical and psychological effects that come with being a victim of a slashing while awaiting trial, while ensuring the secure use of body scanning equipment. I thank Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, and Mayor Bill de Blasio for supporting the legislative effort to make New York’s jails safer for inmates, correctional employees and others.”