AI and Technology in Detention Facilities

The future is here my friends...and it is VERY exciting! The incorporation of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into detention facilities has transformative potential, promising to address longstanding challenges while simultaneously raising ethical and operational concerns.

From improving security measures and reducing recidivism to monitoring inmate behavior and predicting potential risks, technology and AI are revolutionizing correctional operations and inmate management at a fast pace. However, these advances come with complex considerations around privacy, bias, and human rights. Let's explore the current and potential impacts of some technology and AI in detention facilities and consider the benefits and challenges of these innovations.

Enhancing Security and Surveillance

One of the most prominent applications of technology in detention facilities is to improve security and surveillance. AI-powered surveillance systems use advanced video analytics to monitor inmate movements, detect unusual behavior, and predict potential conflicts. For example, AI systems can analyze video footage from CCTV and drone systems in real-time, identifying behaviors that may indicate aggression or violence, allowing staff to respond proactively. Facial recognition technology, body-worn cameras, electronic control weapons, biometric identification, cellular signal identification/ mitigation, drone detection, mitigation systems, and body scanners enhance security by enabling authorities to track incarcerated individuals accurately, control contraband, mitigate use of force, and detect unauthorized visitors or items. These types of technology allow facilities to create a safer environment for incarcerated individuals, staff, and the general public.

However, surveillance technologies can pose challenges as well. Facial recognition and other biometric data collection methods raise privacy concerns and the risk of misuse, creating both political and liability concerns. Additionally, AI models are only as unbiased as the data on which they are trained. If the data used to develop these models reflects racial or socio-economic biases, the technology may unfairly target certain groups, exacerbating inequalities and causing distrust among the incarcerated, staff, and the public. Therefore, facilities implementing these systems must proactively address any potential bias in data collection and ensure transparency in their algorithms.

Managing Inmate Health and Safety

In detention facilities, maintaining the health and safety of incarcerated individuals is essential and oftentimes the greatest liability to the organization. AI-powered systems can support this by monitoring incarcerated individuals for signs of distress or potential health issues. For example, fixed position and wearable devices equipped with sensors can track vital signs like heart rate, breathing, and even signs of psychological distress. AI algorithms analyze these data points and send alerts to medical staff if an individual's health appears to be at risk. This technology can be especially beneficial in reducing incidents of self-harm or suicide, as early detection enables timely intervention. Welfare rounds are now conducted using security wands, scanners, and video recordings that automatically collate and download data for a wide range of reporting options. Robots have even recently come on scene to provide safety and welfare checks 24/7 as the newest frontier in technological advancements, coming to a facility near you!

In addition to mental health monitoring, AI can aid in controlling the spread of infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, some facilities used contact-tracing applications and thermal cameras to detect fever symptoms. Similar technologies could help prevent the spread of diseases within closed environments by identifying at-risk individuals and allowing for proactive measures. However, for such systems to succeed, facilities must maintain strict data security measures to protect the privacy of incarcerated individuals' health information.

Streamlining Administrative Processes

Detention facilities are often burdened by extensive paperwork and administrative tasks. Technology can streamline these processes, improving efficiency and reducing staff workload. For instance, AI algorithms can automate tasks such as booking, mail scanning, release functions, and monitoring parole and probation conditions. Chatbots or virtual assistants can also help incarcerated individuals access information about facility policies, court dates, or educational opportunities, reducing the need for in-person consultations and minimizing human errors.

Automating administrative functions has the added benefit of allowing staff to focus on critical tasks rather than routine paperwork. For example, reentry/discharge staff can spend more time on rehabilitation and reintegration efforts rather than processing routine paperwork. Report writing using AI programming like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Claude now converts active and recorded audio files to written products within seconds, saving hours of administrative time. While these systems increase efficiency, it is essential that they remain adaptable and accessible to avoid creating new barriers for staff or incarcerated individuals with limited technical literacy.

Supporting Rehabilitation and Reducing Recidivism

A primary goal of many detention facilities is to rehabilitate incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism as a part of a greater public safety program. AI programming and technology can support these objectives through personalized rehabilitation programs, predictive analytics, and virtual educational tools. By analyzing an individual's background, psychological profile, and behavior patterns, AI can help identify specific needs and suggest targeted rehabilitation programs. AI-driven platforms can offer personalized learning opportunities, allowing incarcerated individuals to access education, therapy, and vocational training that fit their unique requirements.

Predictive analytics also plays a significant role in determining parole/probation eligibility, helping assess the likelihood of reoffending. By analyzing a variety of data, such as family background, previous criminal records, behavior during incarceration, and responses to rehabilitation programs, AI can provide insights into an individual's readiness for reintegration into society. However, using AI in this way may also raise ethical concerns. A biased algorithm may lead to unfair outcomes, either by incorrectly assessing the risk of reoffending or by influencing decisions based on incomplete data. Therefore, it is critical to develop these models with fairness, transparency, and ethical oversight.

Improving Communication and Reducing Isolation

For many incarcerated individuals, isolation from family and friends is a significant psychological burden and can lead to an increase in mental health concerns. Newer technologies such as video visitation, one-way texting, tablet implementation, and e-learning can help incarcerated individuals maintain connections with the outside world, providing mental health benefits and aiding in reintegration efforts. Video visitation systems, for example, enable incarcerated individuals to video chat with multiple loved ones simultaneously, which is especially valuable for those in facilities located far from their families. Additionally, they typically include availability well beyond most traditional visitation hours. In addition, AI-driven communication platforms can improve the efficiency and monitoring of inmate communications, reducing the risks of inappropriate communication or security/gang-related activities, while assisting local law enforcement as a valuable crime-fighting tool.

While remote video visitations provide valuable support, they also present some challenges. Some facilities have used virtual visitations as a substitute for in-person visits, which has led to some criticism about depriving incarcerated individuals of physical interaction with family. Ensuring that these systems are easily accessible at a reasonable rate or as an additional supplement for in-person visits is essential for maintaining inmate well-being and in addressing these common criticisms.

Ethical and Privacy Concerns

The adoption of AI and advanced technology in correctional facilities raises several ethical and privacy concerns. Facial recognition, biometric monitoring, and predictive analytics tools can inadvertently invade the privacy of others, and the data collected may be susceptible to misuse, if not tightly controlled. While these technologies offer significant benefits, they must be implemented responsibly, with strict data governance policies and oversight to protect against misuse.

Furthermore, the potential for biased algorithms to influence parole decisions, disciplinary actions, or rehabilitation efforts can be a major ethical concern. AI systems may reinforce existing biases if not properly managed, leading to discriminatory outcomes. To address these issues, correctional facilities must ensure transparency in their AI systems, provide opportunities for incarcerated individuals to contest decisions influenced by AI, and involve unbiased third parties in auditing the algorithms used.

Preparing for Future Implications

As AI and technology continue to advance, their role in detention facilities will likely expand. Innovations like robotics for facility maintenance, advanced predictive policing tools utilizing existing data gained from operational programs, and augmented reality for educational programs could become commonplace soon. However, these developments will require careful consideration and reasonable regulation to ensure that technological benefits do not come at the expense of inmates' rights and welfare. Correctional facilities should work with legal experts, psychologists, technologists, and their own staff to develop frameworks for responsibly integrating these tools.

Moreover, facility staff and incarcerated individuals will need training to adapt to these new technologies. Staff members need to understand how to operate and monitor AI-driven systems, while incarcerated individuals may benefit from digital literacy programs to navigate technological resources effectively.

Conclusion

The impact of technology and AI in detention facilities is fast, promising significant improvements in security, health monitoring, administrative efficiency, rehabilitation, community safety, and overall communication to name just a few impact areas.

These advancements have the potential to create safer and more rehabilitative environments, benefiting both incarcerated individuals and staff. However, the adoption of these technologies also brings ethical and operational challenges, especially concerning privacy, potential biases, and the need for transparency. Moving forward, the successful integration of technology and AI in correctional facilities will require a balanced approach that maximizes benefits while addressing privacy concerns and ensuring fairness in their application. Through responsible implementation and careful oversight, AI and technology can play a vital role in transforming correctional systems to better meet the needs of society.

The American Jail Association welcomes these advances in technology as our profession enters a New Frontier in how we operate our facilities. We will continue to highlight new technologies through our AJA digital magazine, iConnect platform, and our two national conferences to ensure that you have the ability to adapt to these changes as quickly as possible.

Shawn C. Laughlin, MCJ, CJM President American Jail Association