Police Launch Life-Saving Biometric Scanners in Cells

Surrey Police Service has installed biometric scanners in its detention cells to monitor detainees’ vital signs in real time, aiming to prevent medical emergencies, overdoses, and suicides. The radar-based technology, operational since early August after a pilot project launched in March, can detect heart and breathing patterns without wearables or cameras. Already credited with prompting safety checks, the $36,000 system aligns Surrey with other Canadian police services using similar life-saving measures. Officials say the initiative prioritizes detainee welfare and officer safety, with SPS Chief Const. Norm Lipinski calling it a humane and proactive approach to custody management.