Detect Concealed Contraband Quickly, Safely, and Non-Invasively
Protect your people and facilities from threats with detection technology that fits your space, policies, and workflow.
Our non-invasive detection technology is trusted by security professionals across correctional facilities worldwide.
Identify concealed cell phones, vape devices, makeshift tools, and blades before they enter secure areas.
Screen inmates, visitors, and staff discreetly — minimizing pat-downs and body searches.
Deploy in intake, housing units, visitation areas, or during sweeps in minutes.
Proactive contraband detection reduces violence, liability, and operational risks.
Support proactive security protocols.
Metrasens contraband detection solutions are built to adapt to the real-world challenges of correctional facilities.
Inmate Intake and Transfers
Metrasens’ detection systems allow corrections staff to efficiently screen inmates during intake or transfers between housing units and facilities. Traditional searches can be slow and invasive, yet still fail to catch hidden metallic items or cell phones. With Metrasens, facilities gain the ability to scan individuals quickly and discreetly, reducing the movement of illicit items within secure areas.
Visitor Entry Screening
Our contraband detection systems give facilities a powerful but discreet layer of protection at visitor checkpoints. Visitors are one of the most common sources of contraband introduction, from cell phones to small blades and vape devices. Unlike traditional walkthrough detectors or invasive searches, Metrasens solutions are portable, contactless, and adaptable to changing visitation schedules.
Staff & Contractor Security
Strengthen insider threat prevention by introducing a fast and non-intrusive layer of screening for staff, contractors, and vendors. By incorporating Metrasens technology at staff entrances or shift changes, facilities can deter contraband attempts without slowing daily operations. The portability of the system means it can be positioned exactly where it’s needed, ensuring corrections professionals can perform their duties in a safer, more controlled environment.
Facility & Cell Block Sweeps
Metrasens’ contraband detection systems provide a more efficient way to locate prohibited items hidden in cells, housing units, or common areas. Traditional sweeps can be resource-intensive, disruptive to operations, and still miss cleverly concealed items. Portable and easy to maneuver, Metrasens solutions allow security teams to conduct targeted or routine sweeps with minimal disruption to facility schedules.
"The Metrasens systems we have in our residential community corrections facility have increased security in our buildings for staff and clients while also saving time and improving processes. While we use the systems primarily upon entrance to the program, we also have found them to be very efficient for searching property. The technology allows us to safely search for contraband with less direct contact, making it safer and healthier for everyone."Jamie BellOperations Supervisor, Oriana House
"One of the most gratifying aspects of our partnership with the state department of corrections is receiving feedback from their staff, who consistently express how user-friendly our systems are, emphasizing the convenience of its fast mobile setup, enabling searches to be swiftly organized as needed.”David LinkMetrasens Director of Sales, Corrections
"Metrasens Ultra is the perfect fit for our needs. It's effective and discreet and has helped us identify risks and likely prevent security incidents."Daniel HallbergSecurity Chief, Hennepin Healthcare System
Contraband detection is one of the most pressing challenges for prisons, jails, and detention centers. At Metrasens, we’re often asked how our portable contraband detection systems help corrections leaders reduce risks, improve safety, and maintain control. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about contraband detection in correctional facilities.
What is Metrasens’ contraband detection system?
Metrasens’ contraband detection systems are portable screening solutions designed to identify metallic contraband such as cell phones, vape devices, shanks, and other improvised weapons inside correctional facilities. Unlike traditional walkthrough metal detectors, Metrasens systems are discreet, contactless, and flexible for use in inmate intake, visitation, and housing unit sweeps.
How does Metrasens detect contraband in prisons and jails?
Metrasens’ technology uses advanced ferromagnetic detection to identify concealed metallic contraband without radiation, invasive searches, or pat-downs. This allows correctional officers to scan inmates, staff, and visitors quickly and safely, while maintaining facility throughput and reducing tension during screening.
Can Metrasens detect cell phones in prisons?
Yes. One of the leading contraband threats in corrections is illicit cell phone use. Metrasens’ contraband detection systems are highly effective at detecting cell phones and their components, helping facilities prevent communication breaches, coordinated incidents, and other security risks.
Where can contraband detection systems be used in a correctional facility?
Metrasens systems are highly portable and can be deployed at multiple points within a prison or jail, including inmate intake, visitor entry, staff access points, and housing unit sweeps. Their mobility gives facilities flexibility to adapt to changing threats and operational needs.
How many units do I need for my facility?
The number of units depends on your facility size, number of entry points, and expected foot traffic. Our team will work with you to assess your space and recommend the most efficient coverage plan, whether for a single entrance or a large detention facility.
Are contraband detection systems safe for inmates and staff?
Yes. Metrasens’ contraband detection systems use passive, non-ionizing technology that emits no harmful radiation. They are completely safe for continuous use around inmates, staff, contractors, and visitors, including individuals with pacemakers or medical implants.
How portable are Metrasens contraband detection systems?
Portability is a key advantage of Metrasens. Units can be set up in minutes without permanent installation. This makes them ideal for use at temporary checkpoints, during unannounced contraband sweeps, or as part of everyday screening at multiple locations inside the facility.
Why should correctional leaders choose Metrasens for contraband detection?
Metrasens is trusted by correctional facilities worldwide for its proven ability to detect contraband and improve safety outcomes. Our systems reduce the risk of violence, liability, and disruption caused by contraband, while giving officers an easy-to-use tool that integrates seamlessly into daily operations.
“One of the most gratifying aspects of our partnership is receiving feedback from their staff, who consistently express how user-friendly our systems are.”
-David Link | Metrasens Director of Sales, Corrections
"The Metrasens systems we have in our residential community corrections facility have increased security in our buildings for staff and clients while also saving time and improving processes."
-Jamie Bell | Operations Supervisor, Oriana House
