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Under Constant Watch

NCJ Number
226694
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 22,24-26,28
Author(s)
Tabatha Wethal
Date Published
March 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article assesses real-time radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking technology for corrections.
Abstract
RFID authorities and corrections vets state that the ability to trace individuals housed inside a secured facility can offer staffing efficiency, inmate management, perimeter security enhancement and an additional security component for staff. The TSI Prism system from Arizona-based Alanco Technologies keeps inmate tracking above the epidermis; the system is coordinated with a variety of components that track both guards and inmates with transmitters, antennae receivers, and a computer network that follows real-time locations of it charges. TSI Prism was launched 8 years ago and is now in use in 6 adult and 3 juvenile facilities, with 3 integrations under construction, including the company’s biggest project, a Washington DC, jail housing 2,500 inmates. Cost and current budgeting conditions as well as staff resistance contribute to industry reluctance to implement the person-tracking system. Additionally, passive RFID can also aid administrators; an RFID tag solution can manage files, and track evidence from the point of collection.