Paulding County installs first heartbeat sensing technology in Georgia
Sheriff Henson and Captain Thomas led the effort to update the jail’s vital sign monitoring using opioid funds.
DALLAS, GA — In a decisive move to strengthen inmate safety and modernize jail operations, Sheriff Ashley Henson has approved the deployment of 62 contactless vital sign sensors throughout the Paulding County Jail. The initiative reflects Sheriff Henson’s forward-looking approach to correctional leadership, positioning Paulding County as a model for proactive overdose detection and medical response across correctional facilities in Georgia. The deployment underscores Sheriff Henson’s commitment to adopting proven, real-world solutions to address evolving challenges in correctional environments.
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“We are not waiting for a tragedy to force change. We’ve taken the time to evaluate this technology firsthand, see it in action, and ensure it meets the standard our community expects. This is about being proactive, protecting lives, and equipping our staff with the tools they need to respond when seconds matter.”
— Sheriff Ashley Henson, Paulding County Sheriff’s Office
Technology That Works Without Detainee Cooperation
The Reassurance Solutions XK300 is an FDA 510(k)-cleared contactless sensor that monitors heart rate, breathing rate, and movement through clothing and blankets, without requiring any cooperation from the person being monitored. When movement ceases, the system automatically begins tracking vital signs and alerts officers in real time through a unified dashboard.
The technology operates with a 130-degree field of view, a range of up to 33 feet, and emits 40 times less radiation than a standard Wi-Fi router. It requires no physical contact with detainees and does not depend on their willingness to wear or activate a device.
“What stood out throughout this process was the level of leadership and diligence demonstrated by Sheriff Henson and his team. This is a department that is not waiting to react—they are taking proactive steps to protect lives. We’re proud to partner with them to bring this capability into their facility.”
— Jon Lloyd, President and CEO of Reassurance Solutions
A Targeted, Thorough Approach to Implementation
The path to deployment ran through Captain Keith Thomas, who also led funding efforts; arranging for the purchase to be funded entirely through opioid settlement funds designated for overdose prevention, at no additional cost to Paulding County taxpayers.
Sheriff Henson tasked Thomas with leading the evaluation from the ground up. In March 2025, he traveled to St. Clair County to observe the Reassurance Solutions system operating inside a live correctional facility, on an active cellblock. Back in Paulding County, he oversaw hands-on testing inside the jail's own medical cell, putting sensors through their paces across multiple positions and inmate locations until he was satisfied the technology would perform when it mattered most.
The result: a deployment that reflects the meticulous approach. Sixty-two sensors are now positioned across the highest-risk areas of the facility — 45 in medical housing, 10 in supermax, and 7 in booking — covering approximately 10 percent of the jail's 631-bed capacity with precision rather than guesswork.
Addressing a Growing Crisis in Correctional Facilities
Overdose deaths and medical emergencies in jails have increased significantly in recent years. Staffing shortages have reduced the ability of facilities to conduct constant in-person observation, and incarceration history is associated with dramatically elevated overdose mortality risk — particularly in the period immediately following intake and release. In-custody deaths also create significant legal and financial exposure for counties and municipalities.
By deploying the XK300 system, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is taking a proactive step to detect medical emergencies earlier, reduce the risk of preventable in-custody deaths, and support staff in an environment where constant visual observation is not always possible.
About the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for law enforcement, court security, and the operation of the Paulding County Jail, which has the capacity to house 631 inmates. The department is committed to the safety and constitutional welfare of all individuals in its custody, as well as to the communities it serves throughout Paulding County, Georgia.
About Reassurance Solutions
Reassurance Solutions is a leading provider of contactless vital sign monitoring technology designed specifically for correctional facilities, helping agencies proactively detect medical emergencies and reduce the risk of in-custody deaths. Its FDA 510(k)-cleared XK300 sensor is deployed in more than 170 facilities across 28 states, with over 1,300 sensors actively monitoring inmate health nationwide. Notable deployments include Louisville Metro (KY), Bexar County (TX), and Chelan County (WA).
Built for mission-critical environments, Reassurance Solutions combines proven technology with dedicated installation teams and 24/7 support to ensure consistent, real-world performance. Learn more at www.reassurancesolutions.com.
