NCJ Number
125198
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 86,88,90,91
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Computer-based security systems can save money for corrections departments, as demonstrated by the Corrections Branch in British Columbia.
Abstract
The reason that computerized systems can save money is that the responsibility for security tasks has been shifted from a highly staff-oriented responsibility to a computer-oriented responsibility. With computer-based systems, all security and movement in the facility is the responsibility of the central control. There are no longer satellite control rooms spread throughout the building, except in specific areas where direct supervision and control is needed. The routine tasks of connecting intercom stations, switching TV cameras, checking sally port doors, and keeping track of staff and inmates are all done by the system. Money that would be spent on staffing remote security posts can now be redirected to hiring program-related staff which may reduce the recidivism rate.