NCJ Number
183906
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 24-28
Date Published
May 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The effective use of technology can help correctional facilities efficiently use limited space and shrinking resources to their fullest potential.
Abstract
Computers are revolutionizing inmate services in high-tech institutions across the United States and the world. Inmate tracking has been one application for computer use, but in today's facilities, other services, such as booking, inmate services, and access control, also are based in complex, state-of-the-art computer networks. Computer technology also assists with functions such as entry control and video monitoring of facilities. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring of facilities, with access control to the doors being in the hands of the person monitoring the CCTV, provides a greater level of safety than intercoms at various controlled points of the facility. The systems being developed are easy to use, offer color graphics, maps, touchscreen operation, and simple menu-driven commands. The detection of weapons, narcotics, or personnel in total darkness also has received a boost from emerging technologies. Officer safety has been a focus of new technology as well. Actall Corporation's Personal Alarm system combines the PALS 9000 transmitter, about the size of a microcassette recorder, with a "Crisis Controller," which can locate a person in a duress situation when a push button, pull cord, or man-down alarm on the PALS 9000 transmitter has been activated. The system also identifies and gives the personal history and location of the person activating the alarm. This article provides information on how to contact the various technology companies mentioned in this article.