Commissioners approve jail body scanner funding and continue navigator program tied to KCRP

Chief Deputy Chris McCann told the Kosciusko County commissioners the sheriff's office is pursuing updated body-scanner technology to limit contraband and drugs entering the jail and asked the commission to approve spending opioid-related funds to complete the purchase.

"The first one we have is to ask for opioid funding through the unrestricted funds for $115,000," McCann said during his presentation. He added that the county had already committed roughly $57,000 from commissary funds and requested $15,000 from opioid funds to secure lower pricing and complete procurement. The commission approved the request by voice vote after a short discussion.

McCann also recommended continuing support for a K21/KCRP-funded resource navigator (Shauna Wallen), saying the program has helped reduce the jail population and assists clients with identification, benefits enrollment and other re-entry needs. Commissioners were told the program has connected with roughly "150" people in various ways and staff credited the navigator role with contributing to a drop in the county jail population from around 300 to under 200 since the program began. The commission voted to continue the navigator grant.

Commissioners acknowledged the irregular timing of opioid fund receipts and said the county will hold an opioid committee meeting to clarify priorities for future spending. Both grant approvals were recorded by voice vote; no roll-call tally was given in the transcript.