GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) -- The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office is now using real-time technology designed to enhance safety and reduce the risk of overdose deaths in correctional environments.

The agency said Wednesday that it is the first in South Carolina to deploy the biometric monitoring system called “OverWatch.”

According to the sheriff’s office, overdose deaths in detention are a nationwide crisis, with a 400% increase in local jails from 2000 to 2018, which they said is propelled by a rise in opioid use, especially fentanyl.

Officials say despite the many checks in place, such as in-house medical staff at detention centers, having subjects checked out at an emergency room before incarceration, and abatement programs, people can still die from overdoses. They add that m

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