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)