Correctional security technology: catch the wave.

New and innovative security technology can be of enormous value to corrections practitioners as a tool for staff safety and to maintain a secure prison environment. When determining whether a new technology approach is appropriate for a given circumstance, it is critical to identify the problem to be solved as well as evaluate the best technology solutions, with an eye on cost and best outcomes.

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The field of correctional security technology is dynamic. Correctional agencies are frequently presented with a daunting array of new technology that has been reported to increase institution security, and staff and inmate safety. However, budgetary constraints and resistance to change often hinder implementation.

A best practice approach to identifying and implementing technology can ensure its success. Correctional leaders know by experience that the best ideas in high-performing organizations come from staff in the field who must make security technology work effectively on a daily basis under the sometimes difficult conditions of a correctional environment. Bottom line, for both the short- and long-term future, staff are in the best position to identify security problems and recommend or evaluate technological solutions. By working together across organizational boundaries, technology-minded corrections professionals can counter the constraints of spiraling technology costs, resistant cultures, extensive legal review or labor's sometimes contentious approach to policy.

Security technology may include custody and control, staff safety, biometrics, communications, contraband detection, inmate safety, tactical and surveillance, tracking, vision/lights, weapons, and less-than-lethal weapons. Current state-of-the-art security technology is diverse and adaptable to many unique correctional environments, including pre-trial detention facilities and community-based surveillance programs. So, what technology can we expect to see in the future?

Ironically, cutting edge technology can run the full range from dogs trained to detect cell phones to sophisticated electronic cell phone detection systems. And when you find a cell phone, several forensic analysis technologies can retrieve phone numbers, pictures, text messages, usage logs, etc. to advance criminal or administrative investigations. Other potential security enhancements may include CCTV video analytics, a CCTV video surveillance camera with its own artificial intelligence to detect movements or unusual acts by inmates and report trends automatically to a control center. In a multicultural environment, portable and rugged language technology is now available that will automatically translate English into Spanish or other languages to facilitate recreation yard management, bus movements, investigative interviews and classification team program meetings. Imaging devices on the market represent a potential improvement from metal detection. These devices use sophisticated backscatter, low-exposure, X-ray or millimeter wave technology to enhance contraband detection such as secreted handcuff keys, edged weapons or weapons made from wood, glass or nonferrous material. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging technology is evolving and can be used to track inmates and file records, inmate property, institution supplies, laptops and even weapons.

For staff, secure wireless capability is being developed to enable outlying security structures, such as surveillance towers, to be connected to the institution local area network without the expense of running cables. Secure identification cards can be issued to staff for access control, staff identification and a certified digital signature that can be used to access the correctional organization's intranet. Stab-resistant ballistic vests will continue to become lighter, stronger and more user-friendly. To keep time and attendance consistent, fair and accurate, agencies may use a biometric terminal for staff to punch-in and out each day using an access card, fingerprint or retina verification. Staff members could then go online from their personal computer to review their daily time cards and electronically submit leave slips.

As we move toward the future together, there will be a convergence of facilities and data security on a common network that will replace outmoded systems. Less-than-lethal technologies will continue to advance to include electronic, chemical and directed energy systems that are effective, targeted and legally sustainable at ranges of one foot to 100 yards. All of the above technologies represent the leading edge of the wave of the future in correctional security. This Corrections Today issue seeks to present the best of the "state-of-the-art" as well as trends for the future of security technology in the corrections profession. With many agencies experiencing limited budgetary and staff resources, the role of technology to provide pragmatic and proactive solutions to institution security and staff safety issues becomes even more critical. The time tested cost-effective COTS (commercial off the shelf) technologies will gain more prominence as fiscal times become tighter for every correctional agency.

Collaboration between security technology subject matter experts (SMEs) and correctional practitioners is paramount. This is particularly true when a correctional agency seeks to define an institution security or staff safety issue that may or may not be solved by the application of technology. Once the problem is defined and the requirements for a security technology solution identified, the collaboration between technology SMEs and correctional security practitioners can move forward to identify a practical, easily deployed, cost-effective and staff-friendly solution.

Finally, a systemic approach must be taken across federal, state and local correctional organizations to ensure a holistic outcome for future security technologies. Existing partnerships between and among correctional agencies should become a clearinghouse for security technologies that have been tested, vetted and approved for use within the profession. To neglect this emergent need will result in individual agencies wasting precious limited human and fiscal resources locating, developing, testing, vetting and deploying security technology already implemented by similarly situated correctional organizations. One void that this partnership can readily fill is the development of national testing and certification standards for correctional security technology that ensure operational- and cost-effectiveness, life safety, and intra-agency use. Finally, these partnerships can form the foundation for forward thinking technology initiatives that are out-of-the-box and revolutionary, and advance the corrections profession.

To our future as correctional security technology practitioners: Catch the wave.

Bill Scism

Chief, Office of Security Technology Federal Bureau of Prisons

Author's Note: Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the U.S. Department of Justice.