Community Corrections

Enhancing Security and Operational Efficiency

Oriana House offers community corrections programs serving as sentencing alternatives to jail or prison. Through a combination of residential and non-residential programs, individuals learn personal accountability and are rehabilitated to reenter society with connections and resources in their community. Each year, Oriana House helps thousands of citizens return to their families and communities safely.

Before partnering with Metrasens, Oriana House relied on walk-through metal detectors at the entrances to their facilities. Their goal with using the walk-through metal detector was to detect and prohibit entry of items that were prohibited in the facility – guns, knives, and razor blades, to name a few. Over time Oriana House determined two deficiencies that needed to be addressed:

• Concealed or ingested contraband was still making its way into their facilities and being discovered by staff, which put staff and other residents at risk.
• Residents would falsely claim a medical emergency indicating they had ingested contraband, only to determine after diagnostic imaging and emergency medical treatment that it was a hoax to get out of the facility.

Oriana House set out to qualify replacement technologies that met all the following criteria:

• Increased accuracy in detecting concealed and ingested contraband.
• Useable to diagnose whether contraband had been ingested prior to incurring medical and transportation costs.
• Affordable
• Useable in small spaces and preferably portable
• Easy to use and learn, given high staff turnover.

The presence of contraband items within their facilities posed serious security risks and undermined the effectiveness of their operations, so finding an alternative solution was an operational necessity.

Uncovering the Perfect Fit: Metrasens Ultra

To address their security concerns, Oriana House extensively evaluated various solutions. However, they quickly realized that other options, such as body scanners, came with a higher price tag and did not physically fit within their facility spaces. In contrast, the Metrasens Ultra system emerged as a superior choice. Not only was it more affordable, but it also demonstrated the increased effectiveness in detecting internally concealed contraband they were looking for. Moreover, Metrasens Ultra’s compact footprint made it ideal for implementing screenings not only on entryways but now possible throughout the facility, including corridors and even outside. After a more careful examination of Metrasens Ultra, including onsite demonstrations, it was determined that it met all five of its investment criteria. There was a unanimous agreement to proceed and implement the new detection technology with Metrasens.

Enhanced Staff Safety and Success

The primary objectives of implementing Metrasens Ultra were to detect and prohibit contraband with an intent to enhance staff safety. The presence of contraband items puts staff members at risk during routine interactions with residents. With the introduction of the new system, staff members reported feeling a heightened sense of security. Metrasens Ultra’s advanced detection capabilities significantly reduced the chances of contraband entering the facility unnoticed. This newfound sense of safety positively impacted staff morale and encouraged them to perform their duties with confidence and peace of mind.

In addition to requiring an effective security solution, Oriana House sought a system that would be easy to use and train its staff in its operation. Recognizing these requirements, Metrasens Ultra proved to be an advanced detection system and easy to use. Its user-friendly design was an added advantage for Oriana House, as it minimized the learning curve and facilitated seamless integration into their daily operations. The system’s intuitive interface and straightforward operation further contributed to staff confidence and efficiency in carrying out their duties. The newfound security boosted staff confidence, leading to a more trusting and peaceful approach to their duties. As a result, staff members were better equipped to provide exceptional care and support to residents within the facility.

Moreover, Metrasens’ comprehensive training programs provided Oriana House with everything they needed to ensure that their staff was well-prepared and ready to operate the system effectively.

Improved Resident Compliance

Metrasens Ultra bolstered staff safety and positively impacted resident behavior and compliance. Residents became aware of the heightened security measures and the uncertainty of when or where screenings would occur. As a result, residents became more diligent in adhering to the facility’s rules and regulations as they realized the risks and consequences associated with attempting to bring contraband into the facility. The increased compliance fostered a safer and more secure environment for everyone within the facility.

Reduced Frequency of Hospital Transportation and Expenses

Prior to the implementation of Metrasens Ultra, Oriana House often had to transport residents to hospitals for X-rays and other diagnostic procedures to detect concealed contraband items. This process was time-consuming, and facilities incurred significant expenses. With the introduction of the new detection system, the need for frequent hospital transportation diminished. Metrasens Ultra’s accurate detection capabilities eliminated the reliance on external medical facilities for claims of ingested contraband, resulting in substantial cost savings for Oriana House. Moreover, the reduced transportation frequency freed up valuable staff resources, allowing them to focus on core operations and provide more individualized care to residents.

By incorporating an advanced detection system to identify contraband within its facilities, Oriana House takes significant strides toward fulfilling its mission of strengthening communities, families, and individuals. The ability to maintain sobriety, transform problematic thinking and behaviors, and cultivate healthy relationship skills becomes more achievable when the threat of contraband is effectively mitigated. Oriana House recognizes that by implementing an advanced detection system, they create an environment that supports the positive transformation and growth of their residents, fostering a safer and more conducive space for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.