From left are Kimberly Cates, Sue Ann Mitchell and Michelle Puckett

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Sheriff Rocky Goshert championed public safety and rehabilitation for inmates in his address to the Kosciusko County Council Thursday, Feb. 8.

The sheriff told the panel he would be looking into the addition of a body scanner, which would detect drugs coming into the Kosciusko County Jail. Goshert said such a scanner, which could cost as much as $190,000, would likely prevent the introduction of such drugs as Fentanyl from entering the building.

He cited the case from late last year in Fort Wayne where emergency services workers were treated — some with the overdose antidote Narcan — for Fentanyl exposure after several inmates tried to smoke the powerful opioid. Goshert told the board that the county jail in Laporte “put it in and within the first day they had several (hits) where drugs were coming in.” Goshert told the board that Fentanyl was a specific concern due to its ability to affect others through incidental contact.

Goshert said there was a possibility of getting a scanner at a discounted rate of approximately $137,000. Goshert is investigating the addition of a body scanner and by policy must alert both county entities — The County Commissioners and the County Council of such plans. This was Goshert’s first mention of the piece of equipment and according to County Auditor Michelle Puckett, he will then make his case to the commissioners at their next regular meeting.

“It’s really about keeping them (illegal drugs) out,” Goshert said. “We’re not just concerned about Fentanyl but also the heroin.”

In another report, Goshert discussed his hopes of adding J-CAP, a rehabilitation program, to his jail’s services.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a request from the county health department for additional appropriations of $1,761.53 and $2,681.28.
• Approved a salary ordinance amendment for a home detention officer.
• Approved additional appropriations of $1,859, $141.77 and $208.19.
• Heard from Goshert about intentions to apply for Community Corrections and Indiana Department of Corrections grants totalling $56,200.
• Heard a report from Brad Bishop of Orthoworx and Dave Anderson from AcceLINX.  Bishop and Anderson told the board they continue to provide programs designed to promote manufacturing jobs in the area.