This report describes how leveraging funds can benefit corrections technology.
Finding the time, funding, and personnel to develop cutting edge technology will always be a challenge for corrections and law enforcement agencies. One group, the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) has discovered the key to developing innovative technologies for corrections in the face of limited direct funding: leveraging opportunities and funding by integrating the needs of the corrections industry with the needs of similar groups, such as forensics and school safety research and technology groups. The Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Advisory Council (LECTAC) of the NLECTC has identified a number of technology development projects in other areas that also fit the needs of the corrections industry; by partnering on these projects, funding can be shared and the technology needs of different yet similar groups can be met. Examples of technology projects utilizing this type of leverage are identified and include a partnership between corrections and school safety groups to develop a personal alarm monitor useful to both teachers and corrections officers. Future technology projects relying on this type of leverage are identified.