Tap into Tech to Tackle Tough Problems

Welcome Spring. While the calendar may signal the start of a new season, many of us working in jails across the country are still dealing with an old problem—contraband. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we’re turning to technology to address the age-old issue.

Drug-smuggling drones are being more commonly used to drop bundles of drugs and other illegal items directly into correctional facilities across the country. As drone drops become more routine, we must embrace drone detection technology to reduce the introduction of dangerous contraband.

While contraband certainly isn’t a new problem, it’s clearly become more complicated with the rise of drone technology. Civilian drones are now less expensive, easy to operate and powerful. As a result, the threat posed by drones to introduce contraband into jails is increasing.

At the same time, a growing number of tech-savvy inmates seem to be recognizing their potential value as tools for bad deeds. While inmates previously relied on mail (more on that later) and other methods to assist in sneaking in items, drones now present an easier and cheaper alternative.

Despite jail security measures, inmates still manage to smuggle drugs, cigarettes, cell phones and other contraband through security walls. Unfortunately, these seemingly innocent unmanned aircraft add a new wrinkle to the equation.

Because cash is a no-go inside jails, inmates use items they can purchase at the commissary to trade for various purposes. Drone technology could introduce alternative contraband into the system. Inmates may use these items to blackmail, barter, threaten or coerce other inmates. Drone detection technology reduces the power of criminals inside the system.

Implementing a detection system reduces violence by restricting access to items prohibited within the jail confines. Not only does this keep inmates safe, but it also creates a safer work environment for the officers as well.

You’ve got mail. Old fashioned U.S. mail is another way contraband enters facilities. Mail scanning is a growing trend in jails. To lessen the potential introduction of forbidden items, digital mail replaces physical mail with scanned copies. More and more jails across the U.S. have done away with delivering actual mail in favor of digitized copies. The goal of the transition is to reduce the number of contraband items coming into facilities.

Digital mail is not intended to discourage communication between incarcerated people and their loved ones, but to discourage the possibility of dangerous contraband such as drugs entering the facility. This practice of mail scanning, either performed at the jail itself or off-site using a third-party vendor, strips away the opportunity for contraband to make it into the facility. It’s part of ongoing effort to cut down on contraband and eliminates the possibility of items being smuggled into jails through paper correspondence.

Another way jails are tapping into technology to reduce contraband is through remote visitation. Many of us have implemented the use of remote video visitation technology to connect the public with the inmate population. Remote video visitation enhances jail safety, and it makes sense. Society continues to evolve and now people with incarcerated loved ones can visit in the same way they’re connecting with the rest of their world—through a screen. Visitation is streamlined and simple via video through their smartphones or their computers.

Vital signs. Inmates show up at all hours in all types of conditions. Many are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Others may be experiencing some sort of mental crisis. Inmate health remains a major challenge, but technology assists with a high-tech approach to inmate safety.

Contact-free technology that can measure a patient’s heart and respiratory rates using a sensor mounted in the wall or ceiling is now available. This affords jail administrators another way to monitor inmates who are having health issues. Other jails are using similar technologies via arm bands that monitor heart rate and motion. The wristbands track changes in vital signs if someone has consumed an illegal substance.

The bracelets can be placed on at-risk members of the population—someone who is suicidal, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or not feeling well. The devices work similarly to commercial fitness trackers, monitoring the vital signs and movement of people deemed the jail’s most medically vulnerable. Tracking the vital signs of individuals in custody brings an added layer of protection and safety. It’s like an extra set of eyes to help save lives.

Ensuring the safety of correctional officers and inmates is the highest priority for jails. Contemporary innovative technology helps protect staff and inmates from outside threats and internal struggles. Taking a proactive approach to jail security is the best way to ensure that our facilities continue to function properly.

Let the learning and networking begin. AJA’s 43rd Annual Conference & Jail Expo is right around the corner. It will be held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from May 18-22.

Participate in the deep dive sessions on May 18 if your schedule allows. This unique opportunity brings together industry leaders from: The National Commission on Correctional Health Care; Institute for Governmental Research/Bureau of Justice Assistance; Tribal Jail Administrators; and Just Detention International/PREA Resource Center. It promises to be an informative and educational day. Go in-depth at AJA’s Partnership Saturday.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Explore, Collaborate & Discover” and there will be plentiful opportunities to do just that over the next few days in Fort Lauderdale. The Jail Expo in the exhibitor’s hall will feature a treasure trove of the latest and greatest technologies available to assist jail professionals with their daily operations. There will also be the chance to sign up to tour a local jail. Plus, dozens of workshops focused on various jail topics and issues. On top of that, there will be ample entertaining events where you can mix and mingle with colleagues in corrections.

Finally, Fort Lauderdale is a charming backdrop for the conference so make time to check out the local attractions and fine dining in this city of sun, sand, and sophistication. It is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque waterways. Hope to see you there.

Louis A. Quiñones, Jr., CJM, CCE President American Jail Association