August 12,2025
RED FM News Desk
Surrey Police Service has started installing live biometric scanners in their jail cells to monitor the health of detainees.
According to a news release, as part of a pilot project launched in March, these scanners have been installed in the cells of several adults and youth. The release states that the radar technology detects vibrations, heartbeats, and breathing patterns, enabling staff to monitor vital signs and intervene promptly in case of a health emergency.
This technology does not require detainees to wear monitoring devices, as it can detect irregularities in heartbeats and breathing through clothing, blankets, and mattresses. The service notes that other police forces, including Regina Police Service, Vancouver Police Department, Sarnia Police Service, RCMP F-Division, and Winnipeg Police Service, have already implemented similar scanners in their jails.
Provided by a Toronto-based company, the technology costs $36,000 upfront with a monthly technical support fee of $1,000.
Surrey’s Chief Constable Norm Lipinski describes this new approach to handling detainees as “more humane and compassionate.”
In the release, he says, “When we invest in the ability to provide a significant and potentially life-saving program, it will bring peace of mind not only to detainees’ families but also to our members. Police custody has always been a high-risk area for law enforcement agencies, and as past inquiries have shown, we have a responsibility to our members and the public to find innovative solutions that ensure people’s safety and prevent deaths or injuries in any custody situation.”
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