January 19th, 2026 Local News
Bonne Terre, Mo. (KFMO) - The Bonne Terre Police Department has completed a series of upgrades to its holding and booking facilities aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and accountability during short-term detainee processing.
The enhancements include a modern closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, a secure sallyport designed for controlled detainee transfers, an upgraded temporary holding cell, and new electronic fingerprinting equipment known as Live Scan. The Live Scan system is expected to be fully operational in the coming weeks and will provide access to Missouri State Highway Patrol and Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) databases.
With these improvements in place, officers will be able to complete book-and-release procedures at the police department for minor offenses. This will reduce the amount of time officers spend off the street, while still maintaining appropriate safeguards and oversight for individuals in custody.
The department also expressed its sincere appreciation to the Unitec Career Center Machine Tool and Welding classes for constructing the new prisoner holding cell.
Officials say the partnership is a strong example of how career and technical education can have a direct and positive impact on public safety and the Bonne Terre community.