San Diego County Jails Expand Biometric Health Monitoring System

SAN DIEGO, CA — A health monitoring system currently used at several San Diego County jails is helping incarcerated people facing potential health issues receive the care they need more quickly and efficiently, authorities announced Wednesday.

On Sept. 15, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office expanded its use of the 4Sight Labs Overwatch health monitoring system to the Vista Detention Facility. The Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility and San Diego Central Jail were already utilizing the Overwatch system, according to the agency.

Overwatch uses a biometric wristband developed by 4Sight Labs to monitor heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature and ambient temperature movement. When the biometric sensor detects abnormal readings, it sends alerts to sheriff's deputies through a desktop application and agency-issued mobile devices.

Deputies said they respond to check on the incarcerated person, and jail medical staff complete an evaluation to determine if further medical care or treatment is needed.

On Sept. 17, Vista Detention Facility deputies received an Overwatch alert for a 69-year-old man in custody. Deputies escorted him to the medical ward for evaluation. Jail medical staff determined he needed further evaluation and treatment at a hospital. The man was transported to the hospital and received the appropriate medical care. He is now back at the Vista Detention Facility, sheriff's officials reported.

On Oct. 1, deputies at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee received an Overwatch alert for a 39-year-old woman in custody. Deputies escorted her to the medical ward for evaluation. Jail medical staff determined she needed further evaluation and treatment at a hospital. The woman was transported quickly to the hospital and received the appropriate medical care. She has since been released from the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility, officials stated.

Since January, deputies have responded to more than 727 Overwatch alerts. In each case, the incarcerated person was assessed and received the appropriate care. Seven individuals ended up receiving follow-up medical care as a result of an Overwatch alert, according to the sheriff's office.

The SDSO said it continues to actively work with 4Sight Labs with plans to expand the program further. Sheriff Kelly Martinez has made improvements in jails a top priority and will continue to advance the technology to care for incarcerated individuals, the sheriff's office said in a statement.

— City News Service