NCJ Number
169005
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 72-75
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A pilot project involves automated reporting centers in computer-based kiosks in four field offices of the Washington Division of Community Corrections to enable minimum-risk offenders to enter answers to certain questions, reduce the amount of time parole officers spend with these offenders, and give officers more time for the high-risk offenders.
Abstract
The Graphically Enhanced Network Information Enterprise (GENIE) also makes it possible to obtain more information from high-risk offenders with minimal impact on the parole officer. Officers can use this information to enhance supervision or to support alternate sanctions. Offenders report to the kiosks, type in their names, and answer questions generated by the computer. The session typically lasts 2 minutes. At its end, the computer prints a receipt that includes the location, date, and time; messages from the officer; the offender's number; the officer's name and telephone number; and a control number. The report is electronically recorded in the offender's file. Offenders who do not check in at a kiosk are automatically sent a letter suggesting immediate compliance. The GENIE system is part of a project that includes mapping, offender images, communication, scheduling, and decision support capabilities linked into a cellular network. After the prototyping phase of this pilot project ends in June 1997 the project team will make a recommendation regarding full-scale implementation. The project has demonstrated both benefits and challenges. It has not eliminated personal contact, because offenders and officers are using the kiosk to schedule direct contacts. Illustration