SURREY — The Surrey Police Service has begun using live biometric scanners in its jail cells to monitor the health of people being detained.

It says in a news release that it began installing the scanners in several adult and youth detention cells in March as part of a pilot project.

The release says the radar technology evaluates vibration heartbeat and breathing patterns, allowing staff to monitor vitals and provide timely intervention in the event of a health crisis.

It says the technology does not require detainees to wear a monitor, but can detect heartbeat variability and anomalies in breathing through clothing, blankets and even mattresses.

The service says other police forces, including the Regina Police Service, Vancouver Police Department, Sarnia Police Service, RCMP F-Divisi

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