Biometric system lets police check health of detainees

Biometric health monitoring is now being used in Regina Police Service (RPS) detention cells, according to a news release announcing the new initiative Wednesday.

“This initiative identifies Regina Police Service as the first police service in Saskatchewan, and one of, if not the first police organizations in Canada to integrate this technology into its custodial care protocols,” the release said.

Police say the decision to bring in the technology stems from a “comprehensive” review of detainee care practices, which was prompted by an incident in August 2023.

A news release issued at that time said the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team was called to investigate an in-custody death following a medical emergency in the RPS detention unit. EMS transported the man to the hospital where he later died.

RPS says his death “highlighted the critical need for enhanced monitoring capabilities,” and insights gained from the incident led the organization to explore different ways to “bolster detainee welfare.” Biometric monitoring was deemed the most effective solution, the release said.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority for the Regina Police Service,” Chief Farooq Sheikh said in the release, calling the initiative a proactive and innovative approach.

The biometric monitoring system was implemented in March and offers continuous, real-time monitoring of vital health metrics, including heart rate and respiratory rate, the release notes. It sends alerts to detention staff “in the event of anomalies that may indicate medical distress.”

Police say the approach will enable staff to intervene quickly and reduce the risk of fatalities.