I move to approve the purchase authority as requested.

N/A

Juvenile Services needs a full-body security scanner at its juvenile detention facility to strengthen its ability to detect and prevent contraband from entering the detention environment. The juvenile detention facility currently relies on an outdated metal detector as a primary screening tool. While the existing equipment provides an important level of security, it does not detect every type of contraband that may be concealed and brought into the facility. This creates a significant safety concern, particularly when dealing with drugs, unauthorized items and other materials that could compromise the safety and security of youth and staff.

A full-body scanner would provide a substantially enhanced screening capability and allow staff to identify concealed items that may not be detected by a traditional metal detector. Implementing this technology would create an additional layer of security at the point of entry and significantly reduce the opportunity for youth or other individuals entering the juvenile detention facility to bring contraband inside. Preventing contraband is critical to maintaining a safe and secure detention environment. Drugs and other unauthorized items can create significant risks for youth, staff, and the overall operation of the facility. A full-body scanner would assist staff in identifying these items before they enter the secure portion of the building, allowing staff to intervene before a potential safety incident occurs.

The investment would also help reduce the City’s potential liability. When contraband, particularly illegal drugs, enters a secure juvenile facility, it can result in medical emergencies, behavioral incidents, assaults, property damage, or other situations that place youth and staff at risk. Strengthening our screening process demonstrates that Carson City is taking reasonable and proactive measures to protect youth in its care, employees, and the City itself. Overall, the purchase of a full-body scanner would invest in facility safety, youth protection, employee safety, contraband prevention and risk and liability reduction to the City.

Juvenile Services previously requested funding for a better body scanner.  When the City did not have the available funds, it was suggested that Juvenile Services investigate if there was an available grant to purchase the scanner.  Juvenile Services received the award for the body scanner through the Nevada Office of the Attorney General, Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program, with zero match. The Notice of State Award for that grant was signed on July 16, 2026.

Grant Fund, Juvenile Detention Department, Grants Revenue Account 2752082-434010, Equipment expense account / 2752705-507775, Project No. G270523006     

If approved, both revenue and expenses will be augmented during the first round of budget augmentations (January/February timeframe), purchase may be made before that time, and 2752705-507775, G270523006 will be reduced by a not to exceed amount of $179,000.  The grant award is for the full $179,000.00, with zero match.

Do not approve the purchase authority and/or provide alternative direction to staff.