Surrey police test biometric scanning of detainees’ vital signs in jail cells

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-Division and Winnipeg Police Service, have already implemented similar scanners in their jails.

It says the technology, which is provided by a Toronto-based company, comes with a one-time price tag of $36,000 as well as a monthly fee of $1,000 for technical support.

Surrey Chief Const. Norm Lipinski says the new approach is a “more humane and compassionate” way to manage detainees.

“When we invest in the ability to provide an important and potentially life-saving program, not only will it provide comfort to the families of detainees, but also our members,” he says in the release.

“Police detention has always been an area of significant risk for police agencies and, as past inquests have highlighted, we have an obligation to our members and the public to find innovative solutions to ensure people’s well-being and prevent any in-custody injuries or deaths.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.