Fact sheet, new technologies in corrections 2020

FACT SHEET
NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN CORRECTIONS

2020

TIMOTHY C. WARD COMMISSIONER RICKY MYRICK CHIEF OF STAFF AHMED HOLT ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FACILITIES DIVISION

EQUIPMENT
Cellular Communications
iPhone technology provides a strong and extensive base of communications, comprehensively supporting Facilities Operations via: Text messaging Email Voice communications Internet access Calendar options Organizational tools Access to Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) secured offender information database
SECURITY
Cell Phone Access Management
Prohibits unlawfully possessed cell phones from operating within a facility
Cell-Sense Device
Portable, full-body scanner Able to detect cell phones; whether turned on or off, as
well as other metallic contraband concealed on the body Implemented at facilities to detect contraband during mass
movement, searches and routine checks
Infrared Cameras
Able to view and detect heat signatures from objects, animals and people during all hours of the day
Once image is detected, camera sends an alert for response to investigate
Implemented around perimeter of facilities
Rapid ID Machines
Hand-held finger print identification devices used in Facilities Operations
Wireless communications with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
Allows front entry correctional officers at state prisons the ability to scan visitors for active warrants and/or if the visitor is on parole or probation

Taser X2
Electroshock device that uses electrical current to disrupt voluntary control of muscles causing temporary neuromuscular incapacitation
Implemented "Taser X2" in facilities to reduce staff injury and aid as a deterrence
Thorough Body Scanner
Low dosage, through body, x-ray scanner used to scan staff and visitors upon entry into facility for detection of contraband
Compliant with Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and the American International Standard for Radiation Safety for Personal Security Screening Systems
Implemented at several facilities
Visitor Photo ID
Each facility uses a mobile device to take pictures of visitors who are approved contacts for offenders
Photo will be uploaded to SCRIBE under an offender's visitor contact list
Sentencing
The Department is currently involved in several initiatives that will collect and deliver information earlier in the sentencing process.
Next Generation Assessment (NGA)
Implemented to replace paper and pencil assessments, thus reducing human error, skewed offender responses and the amount of time needed to fill out an assessment.
Conceptualized in 2011; GDC partnered with Applied Research Services (ARS) to develop
Takes information from a number of sources and uses technology and the science of mathematical algorithms to quickly assess an offender's risk and needs
NGA is a building block for the Pre-Sentence Assessment (PSA)