November / December 2016 by Criminal Justice Media Inc.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 VOL. 25 NO. 6

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Corrections Forum

Community Corrections: Reentry Models That Work

Offender Management Systems

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CORRECTIONS

FORUM

Publisher & Executive Editor

Thomas S. Kapinos Assistant Publisher

Jennifer A. Kapinos

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Associate Publishers Art Sylvie Peggy Virgadamo (480) 816-3448 asylvie@cox.net

(718) 456-7329 pegpaulv@aol.com

West

4 10 20 30 38 43 46 54

The Pulse

Northeast Central U.S. Sales Managers Bonnie Dodson (828) 479-7472

Editor-in-Chief

Donna Rogers

Offender Management Systems: How to Track, Manage & Organize It All

Contributing Editors Michael Grohs, Kelly Mason, Bill Schiffner, G.F. Guercio Art Director

Jamie Stroud

The Video Revolution: New Mobile Apps and Monitoring Software Community Corrections Programs: Helping People From Falling Through the Cracks The War on Cell Phones

Gearing Up for the ACA Winter Conference

2016 Facility Operations Directory

Ad Index

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(ISSN10729275) is published bi-monthly by: Criminal Justice Media, Inc 565 Pier Avenue PO Box 213 Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (310) 374-2700 Send address changes to:

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USE OF ANKLE MONITORS SURGES, BUT EFFECTIVENESS A QUESTION Use of electronic tracking devices has climbed 140 percent in the past 10 years, according to a report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. But there has been little study of how well the devices affect recidivism or ensure pre-trial defendants show up for court, notes an article in the September 7th edition of U.S. News & World Report. Adam Gelb, director of Pew's Public Safety Performance Project, which produced the report, said, "That's fairly rapid growth of a new tech-

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nology throughout the system without a solid research base that shows when and how the technology would be most effective. There are some indications that electronic monitoring can reduce recidivism, but at this point it's not clear for which offenders or at what stage of the process."

PRISONS FIGHT OPIOIDS WITH $1,000 VIVITROL INJECTIONS: DOES IT WORK? An AP story reported by CBS News on November 14 said that U.S. prisons are experimenting with a high-priced monthly injection that could help addicted inmates stay off opioids after they

are released, but skeptics question its effectiveness and say the manufacturer has aggressively marketed an unproven drug to corrections officials. A single shot of Vivitrol, given in the buttocks, lasts for four weeks and eliminates the need for the daily doses common with alternatives such as methadone. But each shot costs as much as $1,000, and because the drug has a limited track record, experts do not agree on how well it works. Proponents say Vivitrol could save money compared with the cost of locking up a drug offenderâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; about $25,000 a year for each inmate at the Sheridan Correctional

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Center, 70 miles southwest of Chicago. Vivitrol is emerging as the nation searches for ways to ease an opioid epidemic that affects more than 2 million Americans and an estimated 15 percent of the U.S. prison population. Vivitrol targets receptors in the brain’s reward system, blocking the high and extinguishing urges. In some programs, prisoners get an injection before release, then followup shots from any clinic. For decades, researchers have recognized addiction as a relapsing brain disease with medication an important part of therapy. But most jails and prisons reject methadone

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and buprenorphine, the other government-approved medications for opioid addiction, because they are habit-forming and can be abused. Just ask Joshua Meador, 28, an inmate at Sheridan who hopes to get into the Vivitrol program before his release in January. Before incarceration, he abused both older treatment drugs. When given takehome doses of methadone for the weekend, he would sell them for heroin. “When I’m on Vivitrol, I can’t get high,” he said. The drug has no street value or abuse potential. “You couldn’t design something better for the criminal justice system,” said David Farabee of the University of California at Los Angeles, who leads a Vivitrol study in a New Mexico jail. “There’s been pushback with other medications, people saying, ‘We’re just changing one drug for another.’ That argument goes out the window when you’re talking about a blocker” like Vivitrol. Prison systems in Illinois, Vermont, Wyoming and Wisconsin are trying the drug on a small scale. Michigan is offering Vivitrol to parolees who commit small crimes, if addiction is the reason for their new offense. The federal Bureau of Prisons ran a field trial in Texas and plans to expand the program to the

Northeast next year. The drug’s manufacturer hopes prisons will be the gateway to a larger market. In the biggest study, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 300 offenders—most of them heroin users on probation or parole—were randomly assigned to receive either Vivitrol or brief counseling and referral to a treatment program. After six months, the Vivitrol group had a lower rate of relapse, 43 percent compared with 64 percent. A year after treatment stopped, there had been no overdoses in the Vivitrol group and seven overdoses, including three deaths, in the other group. The results, published in March in the New England Journal of Medicine, have been promoted by the drugmaker, Ireland-based Alkermes, as it markets Vivitrol to U.S. correctional systems. Yet addiction is stubborn. When the injections stopped, many in the study relapsed. A year later, relapse rates looked the same in the two groups. “It does suggest six months wasn’t enough,” said Joshua Lee, the lead author.

DRONE MAKERS ASKED TO HARD CODE PRISONS AS NO-FLY ZONES IN THE U.K. Prison officials in the United Kingdom want drone manufacturers to hard code prison locations into their products to stop attempts to use the devices to deliver contraband to inmates, reported ZDNet on November 4. The unmanned aerial vehicles have been detected in fly-and-drop schemes to deliver mobile phones, weapons and drugs to inmates. A recent report on Prison Safety and Reform says to-

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gether with vendors, the prison system plans to trial "the inclusion of prison coordinates in no-fly zones" in the hard wiring of the devices.

WASHINGTON STATE PRISONS TO CEASE CALLING INMATES 'OFFENDERS' Prison inmates in the state of Washington will no longer be called offenders, according to the KOPB website. In a memo to staff, Dick Morgan, secretary of corrections, said the term offender has a negative connotation. Instead of offender, the Department of Corrections will use terms like individ-

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ual and encourage staff to address inmates by name. A spokesman for the union representing front line prison staff said they would like to see the department focus on improving staff safety and security.

OPIATE DECLINES IN MD. PRISONS AFTER CUT FROM MEDICAID LIST Since a drug used to treat opiate addiction was removed from the Medicaid Preferred Drug List in July, the amount of it recovered in Maryland correctional facilities as contraband has decreased by 41 percent, according to the state De-

partment of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The drug Suboxone, in film strip form designed to be placed under a user's tongue, can easily be smuggled into correctional facilities. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene removed it from the preferred list, substituting Zubsolv tablets, on July 1. The tablets are harder to smuggle into prison. Between July 1 and Oct. 31, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services recovered 940 pieces of Suboxone film strips, compared to 1,603 recovered during the same period in 2015, according to a November Associated Press report.

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BY G.F. GUERCIO, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

OMS

How to Track, Organize, & Manage It All Offender and Operations Management Systems (OMS) deal with the difficulties of running a correctional facility on all levels from intake to release.

J a c k Reacher watches the prison’s operational system to figure a way out in the new movie, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, we realize other than the COs, a lot rides on the systems in place. “It’s hard to believe but there are still a large number of county jail operations that are currently using paper, pens, typewriters and 35mm film to document inmate records,” says Randy Hill,

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sales manager, Black Creek Integrated Systems Corp. “Sheriffs sometimes comment: ‘My booking system was created by one of my deputies in Excel in his spare time,’ others purchase inexpensive systems knowing they don’t meet all their needs but ‘it’s OK for now’ while still other agencies just tell their jail staff that they simply can’t afford an electronic booking system, and to ‘keep doing what we’ve done for years, it still works.’” A quality JMS (jail management system) is invaluable for a number of very practical reasons

including historical record of times, dates, activities, immediate retrieval of information, reduced booking time, investigative intelligence, reduction of financial liability against wrongful claims among other things, he says. “Black Creek’s SallyPort condenses hardcopy file cabinets and drawers overflowing with paper inmate records into one compact electronic system. Instead of spending hours digging through documents, staff can view inmate information at the click of a mouse, including photographs, funds, release, charges and holds,

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SallyPort jail management system from Black Creek allows for photographic records of scars, marks and tattoos.

threat groups, visitation contacts, and more. [The software] also provides shift log, a full medical module, biometric identification, and DNA sample tracking.” In addition to records management systems, BlackCreek’s software works seamlessly with commissary systems, inmate telephone systems, and other thirdparty applications to promote information sharing and automation of many of the booking and record-keeping tasks of any size detention facility, he adds. Concerning information sharing, “Corrections struggle with the interagency exchange of inmate records,” Hill explains. An individual can be incarcerated in the adjoining county numerous times yet the arresting agency doesn’t know until the records department runs a report on Monday morning. “Black Creek has solved that problem by SallyPort Inmate Data Exchange (SPIDEX). Agencies can choose to participate in data viewing and

importation, reducing booking costs but more importantly, identifying inmate behavior to increase staff and operational safety.” Safety is always paramount and Tyler Technologies answers that requirement. Its New World Corrections Management Software securely maintains and easily accesses all inmate data, according to Brent Hastings, solution architect. Time-saving NCIC (National Crime Information Center) checks and automated warrant checks are just one of the system advantages. Others include increased efficiency with digital signature, driver’s license reading, and biometric interface identification; efficient wireless hand-held inmate and property tracking; streamlined booking with an incoming booking monitor and pre-booking import from field arrest capabilities; access to a vast amount of inmate information from a single screen; and improved service to the commu-

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nity with citizen-facing web access. “Tyler’s New World Corrections Management software is constantly enhanced based on direct user feedback,” he adds. Some of the most recent improvements are: Increased visibility of inmate “keep separate” information for improved inmate and officer safety, the new “Housing Status Board” created to give housing (pod) officers the ability to do everything they need to manage their assigned area from one place, and the new “My Workday” dashboard created to proactively alert users to tasks for which they are responsible.

Time Cards & Time Savings

Alerts and responsibilities are par for the course when it comes to officer scheduling. And, according to Jon Forknell, vice president and general manager, CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 11

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ScheduleAnywhere from Atlas Business Solutions, Inc. is introducing two new features in coming months that will allow officers to seek approval to swap or cover shifts.

Atlas Business Solutions, Inc., “A major requirement for a successful scheduling application is effec-

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tive communication: manager to employee and employee to manager.” Atlas’ ScheduleAnywhere

software allows managers to communicate with staff who are assigned to work a particular shift, job or location. “This is critical when it comes to notifying staff about open shifts or sharing important news with appropriate staff. Employees can submit time off and schedule requests to managers, so communication is streamlined and recorded,” he says. “On-screen guides show the number of scheduled hours to help prevent unnecessary overtime and coverage can be calculated by shift, department, location, job, skill, etc. “In the coming months, ScheduleAnywhere customers will see two new employee-centric features: Cover Request and Swap Request. Both features will be accessible from the ScheduleAnywhere mobile app. These new tools will allow an officer to request approval from another officer about covering a shift or swapping shifts.

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Managers will only receive requests approved by both parties and accepting the request will update the schedule automatically.” Schedules are all about timing and timing is critical, acknowledges Jessica Halliburton, VP of Sales and Recruitment, SolidCircle Jail Management System, in this case with bookings. “SolidCircle Jail Management includes Fast Track Booking with the ability to start a booking from the road. Built for patrol car MCTs (mobile computer terminals), the software starts a booking from the time of arrest and thus cuts 80 percent of time off the booking process.” SolidCircle JMS was built with jail and law enforcement staff to create a product that is completely customizable, she says. “Facility operations are streamlined with electronically-submitted booking information from the road, automated PREA (Prison

Rape Elimination Act) compliance forms; the ability to stop and re-start bookings from any stage in the process, release checklists preventing errors and saving time, and automatic notifications for medical and mental health staff as well as detectives.” Halliburton details the Detective Watch List feature which automatically notifies detectives while it tracks visitors and inmates in the jail that may be wanted or have warrants out for their arrest. Similarly, the Inmate Management module tracks Events and Activity Logs, forms, SWAP (Sheriff’s Work Alternative Plan) and other programs, religious affiliations, alerts, rule infractions, visitations and visitor check-in, and transportation requirements, she says. Also tracking many specifics, the Marquis electronic offender management information system (eOMIS) is a collection of 40-plus modules that provides Inmate

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Management, Community Supervision, and Healthcare Management, says Ben Harrell, director of Sales and Marketing, Marquis Software Development, Inc. eOMIS is the only OMS with a fully-integrated ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology) Certified EHR (electronic healthcare record) designed within the OMS, he informs. “A fully-integrated ONC Certified EHR takes advantage of the power that integration with the Inmate Management component provides for safety and efficiency. Our corrections based EHR provides general health, dental, mental health, and outside services.” He elaborates on recent system additions. “Our new Off-line Medication Administration Record (MAR) for our EHR has expanded staff flexibility to work in multiple units away from the

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New World Corrections Management Booking Questionnaire from Tyler Technologies aids the processing of the inmate.

main health care facilities.” And, “One of our most exciting new endeavors is incorporating Esri ArcGIS geospatial software with eOMIS and maps of prison facilities and communities. This allows our users to visualize events and offenders in facilities, allows for drag and drop bed assignments, easily see population demographics, manage community caseloads, etc., just to name a few.” In tandem with releasing Version 5 of eOMIS, Marquis is currently implementing the Colorado DOC, increasing to 10 the state prisons using Marquis’ software. Harrell says that the new version incorporates the latest in UI (user interface) design and new technology, which includes integrated imaging, biometrics, barcode scanning, electronic signatures, photo systems, Kiosk UI , Pentaho BI (business intelligence), and ID card printing.

Tracking Inmates & Data

Utilizing the functionality of desktop printing, Endur ID offers the IDMX Identification Management Software, culminating in wristbands within a facility. This IDMX application, integrated or standalone, collects and stores inmate data at intake, photos, demographics or any information which would be useful in the management of the inmate, according to Robert Chadwick, president, Endur ID. “Using this information, a wristband is produced, which can include all the demographics, photos, colorcoded classifications, medical alerts, and barcodes,” he says. “It can be integrated with a jail management system as well as with the Secur MAX Tracker.” Secur Max Tracker is a simple to use and easy to implement system for the recording of events, attendance and recording passage through a checkpoint, he explains. “Using the barcodes displayed on Endur ID Secur MAX wristbands and simple scanners, inmate movement can be tracked and documented. Secur Max Tracker can be used to enhance and document many processes and can be easily customized to suit the facility.” Then time, date, officer and location can be recorded in retrievable archived formats. “The ability to easily produce inmate identification provides a wealth of information beyond 14 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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Secur Max Tracker Scanner from Endur ID tracks and documents inmate movement.

pharmaceutical standpoint but few systems help with the identification of the inmate.” Endur ID’s wristband solution with bar coding helps caregivers with the first factor—the right patient. Additionally he says there is mounting interest in Real Time Active Inmate Tracking Solutions. “While great advances are made in this segment all the time, these systems require costly infrastructures. Endur ID’s use of well-

established and economical technologies allows us to meet many of the goals with a system flexible enough to adapt to these new technologies as they become affordable.” Along similar lines, Josh Jaquish, vice president, Public Sector, Tribridge, says, “Correctional agencies are facing an era of fiscal austerity.” They are being tasked with meeting the mission of public safety with

Inmate Identification produced with Endur ID IDMX details diet, allergies and other useful information.

Barcode scanning with Endur ID tracks and documents inmate movement.

simple identity,” he reveals. Barcodes can be used with the Secur Max Tracker or with many medication management and commissary products; colorcoded classification as quick visual cues can be used to enhance the management of inmates; easily accessed reports can assist staff and the courts; and the need for automated medication management demands can be met. Chadwick notes the five rights of medication administration for the health care sector now applied to corrections include: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, the right time. “There are many well developed programs to achieve this from an EHR or VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

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Data is displayed intuitively, demonstrated here with map integration overlay in Tribridge Offender 360 software.

reduced resources while maintaining effective operations and the efficient use of public funding. “Ninety-two percent [of respondents] in a recent survey indicated that their agency has engaged in targeted cost containment efforts within the past five years. These cost containment efforts were primarily the result of budget constraints due to both short- and long-term economic conditions.” Additionally, more than 40

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percent of inmates commit crimes within three years of their release and went back behind bars, despite billions in taxpayer dollars spent on prison systems meant to help rehabilitate them, revealed a recent Pew Center study, he notes. “The study concludes there was only marginal improvement in the nation’s recidivism rate, even as spending on corrections departments has increased to about $52 billion annually from around $30 billion

a decade ago. “To address these fiscal concerns, government IT (information technology) leaders are increasingly considering the cloud to be a viable, secure and greater cost-effective solution to better streamline operations and manage offenders,” Jaquish furthers. “Cloud-based management solutions allow public sector employees to move beyond paper-based processes, simplify day-to-day operations, increase transparency and anticipate risks before they become problems.” Research has shown that new technologies and strategies can make a significant dent in return to prison rates, he says. Tribridge Offender360 software offers cloud-based, real-time information and visibility for jail and offender management in a mobile-ready, CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services)compliant environment. “Cloud solutions can help, providing public safety institutions with customizable, scalable, cost-effective tools for managing offenders that includes providing risk assessments for pretrial diversions that can help reduce recidivism. “With cloud technologies,” he continues, “solutions can change and evolve with agency needs. A cloud-centric infrastructure is flexible enough to enable government organizations to manage and access critical decision-making data for less, all in an environment that is secure, modern and reliable. Compare this to the antiquated in-house solutions many organization use today that deliver little value and continue to add incremental costs.” By implementing new technologies today to replace legacy, ineffective, or rigid systems currently in place, correctional facilities will be able to keep pace with changing regulations and position these agencies to stay ahead of future changes and new requirements, Jaquish says—and thus stay ahead of the Jack Reachers of the world. ✪

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BY GREG WESTBROOK, PRESIDENT OF CGL FACILITY MANAGEMENT

The Maintenance Connection (Or How to Speak Fluent CMMS)

he typical maintenance of 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 CMMS data to make square-foot sure their facilities jail has more can define the value than 500 pieces of of the maintenance equipment. Each program and track piece of equipment improvements to needs a preventive the jail’s performaintenance mance and life schedule and a hiscycle. tory of all mainteTake vandalism, nance performed, for example. preventive and corVandalism can be rective. A computtracked as a specific Example of an Asset Location Detail screen shows some of the erized mainteform of corrective information necessary to have a successfully-deployed CMMS. nance managemaintenance. If a ment system repair is classified as (CMMS) easily keeps track of all this information. vandalism, the CMMS can trigger different reacHowever, the CMMS is only as good as the infortions than normal repair work: required response mation put in its databases and the people administimes change, accounting can be allocated to sepatering and maintaining the system. Without accurate budgets, and reports can be run separately. rate and complete equipment information, prevenWhen vandalism is tracked carefully, counties and tive maintenance schedules and equipment histosheriffs can see trends in inmate behavior that may ries can’t be kept complete. Without people to help them with their operational response. The administer the system and perform maintenance information may also lead to establishment of sepatasks, work orders get deferred or worse—ignored. rate budgets or fund allocations to combat vandalBuilding an equipment database is a long-term ism. However, without details of facility equipment investment in building success. Considerable time entered into the CMMS, vandalism cannot be is needed to survey the facility and gather the tracked accurately. details of each piece of equipment. All “nameplate” Reporting is another key CMMS functionality information must be gathered, including make, that cannot be performed without the collection of model, and specifications of each unit. In some comprehensive facility information. For example, a jails, this may mean individual records on more typical required monthly report is the ratio of prethan 400 cells doors alone. The commitment to ventive work performed compared to corrective gathering and recording all the building details maintenance. Setting up an accurate preventive ensures the CMMS, and therefore the maintenance maintenance schedule requires an accurate database program, can function as intended. of facility systems that has been compared to manAnother critical requisite of CMMS operation is ufacturer’s recommended maintenance plans. If the high-level user interface. While finding and CMMS is complete, it will automatically issue prearchiving the information is fundamental, the ventive maintenance work orders; if administered CMMS must have users that understand how to properly, the work ends up in the right technician’s get functionality from the data. Maintenance hands. managers must speak fluent CMMS, that is be able In sum, for the CMMS to run properly, facility to create preventive maintenance schedules, run managers must be willing to invest the up-front productivity reports, issue work orders to technitime to gather facility information completely and cians, etc. Technicians must understand the necesthe back-end investment in people capable of sity of recording their work details in the system. administering the CMMS for the benefit of the jail Jail managers can use proper implementation and and users.

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O E D I V N E O TH OLUTI V E R

BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

hatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the top three reasons corrections facilities use video applications in their everyday jobs? Security. Security. Security. Like real estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one tenet, location, location, location, corrections agencies first and foremost focus on keeping their facilities secure. Besides increasing security on the perimeter, video also reduces/eliminates transportâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one of the riskier parts of the COâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jobâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and eliminates incoming contraband, including 20 CORRECTIONS FORUM â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

cell phones and weapons. And it also reduces labor hours for visitation, and can expand visitation hours by offering secured remote visits, notes John Best, who is president of HomeWAV, a video visitation system developer. The video market has changed over the past 24 months. Some industry insiders go as far to say that remote visits with new mobile video apps have greatly transformed the way corrections facilities can deliver communications tools. Their video visit app â&#x20AC;&#x153;has revolutionized the way family and friends can visit,â&#x20AC;? explains

Mark Southland, manager, Marketing and Communications, Securus Technologies, Inc. In September 2015, the company released its first video visitation application, the Securus Video Visit app on Google Play with a subsequent release to Apple that could be downloaded for free. Since then, he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family and friends have been able to share events like the birth of a child, soccer practice and school concerts that could have never been done ever before.â&#x20AC;? Surveillance cameras are always a big tool in correctional

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The Safety Factor

s and friend ate, family lm e T m o fr ne ch as this o loved ones. and apps su with their m ly e si a -d e n o re g o Usin en and m ct more oft Increased can conne

facilities—for intrusion detection, access control, monitoring and fire alarms systems, says James Elkins, account executive, Digi Security Systems, which provides a one-stop shop for all applications mentioned, including HD video surveillance and access control solutions. Video surveillance is vital within the walls, because the corrections supervisor can determine where and why an incident started, he says. Cameras provide “safety and situational awareness” and the ability to “more accurately and quickly determine the source of the problem. Corrections facilities are adding cameras with newer capabilities to prevent and reduce inmate altercations. “First off,” Elkins furthers, “it’s preventative. It reduces the number of incidents through the awareness that the cameras are in place.” Secondly, the advanced features “drastically reduce the amount of time to discover an incident in comparison to an aging system. Even in low light situations, our cameras can detect and identify activity.” 22 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

perceived or real threat, gangrelated incidents, inmate-oninmate violence, and attacks on staff are some of reasons officials want to specify cameras. But oftentimes an installation is the result of a specific incident. “Most of our installments come after a security breach,” affirms Elkins. “We had a client that had a poorly monitored loading dock, where repeated break-ins were occurring after hours. Through the implementation of our video technology which has adaptive infrared capabilities, they were not only able to discover exactly when it was happening, but through the adaptive infrared capabilities we were able to capture the incident in a zero light situation, identifying the permeator by his license plate.” With the latest advancements, Digi Security cameras can monitor inmates/intruders in a number of ways. “We can monitor someone via our cameras through thermal detection, [which works through] body temperature. The clarity and visibility of our 4K cameras is just as high resolution as standing in front of a mirror,” states Elkins.

Video visitation is also a means to complement the security system. For example, according to Best, “The HomeWAV system can require visitors to provide both a photograph and state ID prior to approval of their visitation privileges. In addition, multiple options for visits can bolster security. Your facility can select onsite (lobby) visits, offsite (remote) visits, and/or arraignment visits. Adding an onsite/lobby video visitation system, which is installed directly in the pod/dayroom area, cuts down on inmate transport. “As we know,” he points out, “inmate transport is one of the biggest risks you can take in a correctional facility. “By adding the offsite (remote) visits via the web, you are providing an option for an inmate’s friends and family to stay home and visit, as opposed to coming to the facility. We feel that just adding this option to your facility can reduce your onsite visitors by 30%-50% the first month. Remote visitation eliminates the ability to transport contraband into the facility. The jail in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, is a perfect example of how the HomeWAV system could increase security by reducing inmate transport. Prior to June 2013, Tulsa County’s David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center only offered onsite, face-to-face visits. They were averaging more than 7,000 onsite visits per month. Since installing the HomeWAV system that month, Best says they have been able to account

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Digi Security’s Avigilon Control Center offers one of the industry’s simplest interfaces for managing video and is capable of managing an unlimited amount of HD or analog cameras. This means additional buildings, doors or HD cameras can be added as a facility grows.

for as much as 2,300 offsite visits per month, compared to no offsite visits prior to installation, and so most certainly reducing those that come to the jail (though exact figures were not available). Lastly, furthers Best, transporting inmates for court appearances is “not ideal.” Oftentimes, it’s necessary to take the inmates out of the secured walls of the correctional facility to go to their court dates. HomeWAV offers video arraignment and attorney visits right from the same kiosk where video visitation visits are conducted.

Market Shifts & Greater Acceptance Over the past two years, the video visitation market has seen changes. While in the past, corrections officials showed some resistance, secure connections have convinced them to go ahead with the installations. More facil24 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

ities have moved toward video visitation because it requires less staff to manage, while increasing overall security,” says Brendan Hyland, product manager at Telmate. But one of the latest trends is the use of tablets. In fact in the past two years, “the demand for inmate tablets has gone through the roof,” he says. Not only that but inmates can use the video stations and tablets for other applications, providing a win-win for them into the world of communications and education. The Telmate video visitation solution is reported to be a highly flexible solution that enables correctional facilities to offer a compelling adjunct to traditional communications services, Hyland notes. Inmates can conduct video meetings with friends and family using custom secure inmate tablets and/or wallmounted stations. These same tablets can also be used by inmates for a variety of other purposes including education, enter-

tainment, messaging, photo sharing and administration. Likewise the same or similar tablets can be leveraged within the visitor center for friends and family conducting onsite video visitation. The video visitation market has gone through its share of changes, says Best of HomeWAV. “Two years ago, there was still a lot of concern whether this service should be offered to inmates. Since then, that concern has become less and less and you see video visitation being offered more than ever. Facility staff has become keen to the benefits that it can provide.” He furthers: “For facilities that have made the decision to implement video visitation into their facility, they now have the question of ‘How do I pay for it?’ Unlike the inmate phone service, the fee-based video visitation service rarely supports a business model to offer it to their customers at no cost. That is why it has become common practice for

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the agencies to bundle this service with the inmate phone provider.” There has been controversy over face-to-face visits and the fee associated with video visitation, Best notes. He believes some “bad actors” in the industry have tainted the service, and to be sure the FCC will investigate the service and motives. He says they will “gladly welcome the investigation,” and that “We are confident that our solution can provide an outstanding service to the agencies and public, a successful business model for us as the service providers, while not compromising the purpose and integrity.” Hyland concurs that the service is of benefit on multi levels. “Facilities reap the benefits of a happier inmate population coupled with increased communications revenues. “Inmates reap the benefits of maintaining better contact with the outside world, and better access to education and training materials so they are better prepared for life after incarceration.” Over the next 24 months, we anticipate much change in technology offered by video visitation, foresees Best. Most notably, the application will become more mobile with the introduction of inmate tablets. And much like the inmate phone service, pricing of fee-based video visits will b e heavily invest i gated in the

upcoming months. However, after everything has been laid out, “we don’t anticipate a huge change in rates. We believe, after discovery, the FCC will see the value of a video visitation service and keep the rates cap similar to what is already offered.”

Technological Advancements The most important of the numerous updates seen at HomeWAV are improvements in the platform itself based on surveys and user feedback. In addition, they offer an enlarged kiosk to accommodate an HD 20-inch touchscreen monitor, which Best says is the largest available in the industry. Other recent features they have added are: New Visitor iPhone and Android mobile apps; background filtering; tiled monitoring and IP address lookup. Securus, too, continuously seeks ways to innovate and improve the experience for facilities, inmates, and the family and friends. First, “for facilities, Securus Video Visitation will continue to maximize its efficiency by streamlining the facility’s visitation process and operations through the ease of the SVV management tool,” Southland explains. Next, “for inmates, Securus Video Visitation will continue to provide a platform that will be intuitive and easy to use for video visitation. Lastly, for family and friends, Securus Video Visitation will continue to provide opportunities to stay

The HomePAS Kiosk allows the ability to have a 20-inch HD monitor, while still offering the option of power over Ethernet. Besides visitation it can conduct video messaging, inmate email, inmate forms and commissary ordering. The HomeWAV platform also offers a patented inmate initiated call system for remote visits. 26 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

connected with their incarcerated inmate by offering a service that is user friendly and convenient. Family and friends can conduct video visits anywhere with internet using their Android or Apple smartphone, tablet or computer with web camera.” Video surveillance cameras too will be advancing in upcoming months, notes Elkins. “With the integration of analytic cameras, you’ll see reduced amounts of labor required to monitor your facilities, while also increasing the level of safety and reducing the risks that the officers face by increasing situational awareness.” In addition, he explains that we have already seen standardization across municipalities mandating the length of time that data is stored. Therefore, he points out, analytic cameras with more efficient software capabilities allow more data to be stored, and searches become more efficient.

An ‘On-demand World’ “The on-demand world we currently live in is the wave of the future and it's here to stay,” emphasizes Telmate’s Hyland. “On demand offers convenience because it's fast and easy to use. Smartphones and tablets are part of this on-demand economy. They are quickly revolutionizing the corrections space because they are faster and easier to use than desktop computers both inside and outside the facility, and they offer the promise of immediate communication. “We expect to see far greater adoption of on-demand video visitation within correctional facilities, resulting in reduced management for facilities. As this adoption becomes mainstream, friends and family will be able to call an inmate on demand and connect more often. Facilities will retain the same level of control and visibility with a far reduced operational overhead.” ✪

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BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Keeping People from Falling Through the Cracks

Reentry models that integrate peer counseling, housing advocacy, health and/or employment services are better equipped to aid in recovery.

It’s no secret: A sizable portion of individuals on supervision will violate one or more terms of their parole or probation. For example, according to a March 2015 report by the Urban Institute called The Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Thinking Local for State Justice Reinvestment, one study in California estimates that about half of individuals on parole in the state had at least one technical or criminal violation and about a quarter violated multiple times, typically for minor violations (see Grattet, Petersilia, and Lin, 2008). Community corrections programs, which offer alternatives to 30 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

confinement, and seek to halt the endless cycle of returning to prison for seemingly minor violations. These programs, which include pretrial services, diversion, probation, parole, and community-based residential and non-residential programs (e.g., day reporting centers and halfway houses), have been on the upswing for the past decade. One initiative that helped get community corrections off the ground in 2010 is the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI), which provides funding to agencies that apply a data-driven approach to improve public safety, examine corrections and related criminal justice spending, and

reinvest savings in strategies that can hold offenders accountable. As of March 2015, leaders in 24 states and 17 localities have implemented JRI with the help of technical assistance providers, working with colleagues across multiple agencies and organizations to identify and implement data-driven strategies that prioritize justice system resources according to risks and needs. Thinking Local goes on to point out: “Many states that have engaged in justice reinvestment have identified common levers and cost-saving solutions to curb prison growth. The report points to three key decision points—sentencing, release mechanisms and community supervision—which

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each has “a major influence on states’ public safety expenditures.” The following is a sample of some of those success stories as well as the philosophy behind the reinvestment initiative. As those in the field know, minor violations, such as not checking in at a certain time, can prolong time on supervision and drain corrections resources. This drain is unnecessary, especially with the growing body of literature suggesting more effective ways of responding to violations. Accordingly, many states have developed policies that require or encourage the use of intermediate sanctions (in lieu of revocation) in responding to minor supervision infractions. Thinking Local underscores that successful implementation hinges around strong partnerships with local stakeholders: “Local partners—particularly jail managers, probation officers, and law enforcement—must work with each other, and often with partners at the state level, to achieve a successful violation response strategy,” the report says. “Although the menu of sanctions available to a supervision officer varies, some officers have the authority to sanction a violator to a jail term. And if officers initiate revocation proceedings, probationers or parolees may spend weeks in jail awaiting a hearing. Supervision officers may inadvertently overwhelm counties with probation and parole violators. Further, because supervision functions are rarely controlled by sheriffs or jail administrators even if they are local functions, parole and probation officers have little financial incentive to moderate their use of jail beds. Limited space in county jails could eventually push this population back into the prison system.” For example, one analysis of technical violators in Ohio found that this population was being held in prison pending violation hearings. (See La Vigne and 32 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Thomson, 2003). The report also notes that a “critical step in the JRI process is identifying which criminal justice clients have the greatest needs or pose the greatest risk to public safety. Most state-level policy solutions require the effective use of risk and needs assessment at multiple points in the criminal justice process to target services to high-risk populations. In many states, local agencies (e.g., probation authorities) oversee this function, but these agencies may have varying capacity to collect critical information. Thus, state and local partners may want to execute agreements that allow them to share client-level data with each other or create a shared data system or statewide data repository to facilitate information sharing. They may also benefit from sharing training opportunities and resource materials. Providing local treatment and service providers with access to this information, as well as to staff trained in the principles of evidence-based practice, will allow those providers to target services toward those with the highest risks and needs. The assessments may also help state and local agencies forecast clients’ demand for services in the community and ensure that the right clients are assigned the appropriate type (and intensity and dosage) of treatment and supervision.”

Performance Incentives In response to this challenge, states are experimenting with the use of performance incentives for probation and parole agencies, to change both their use of revocations to prison and the number and kind of violations that result in jail sanctions. Michigan, for example, employed a strategy that used violation waivers, and it worked. Counties that authorized probation agents to issue Probation Violation Waivers (in lieu of

courts issuing bench warrants or petitions to show cause) experienced fewer jail admissions and a declining number of court appearances (Michigan Task Force on Jail and Prison Overcrowding 2005). In another instance of performance incentives, South Carolina’s JRI legislation provides incentives for effective probation and parole management by making the Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole Services eligible to receive a portion of the savings that accrue to the Department of Corrections as a result of reducing revocations (La Vigne, et al. 2014).

Ohio’s Plan Similarly, Ohio’s Department of Rehabilitation and Correction administers incentive grants to probation departments supervising felony offenders to reduce probation revocations (La Vigne, et al. 2014). Others have responded to pressure on jail capacity by setting limits and restrictions on the use of jail in response to probation violations and revocations. Ohio enacted comprehensive reforms to its sentencing and corrections system in 2011. H.B. 86 created a statewide system of risk and needs assessments to ensure that community supervision and treatment resources are used to their maximum effectiveness on the most appropriate offenders. The reforms were projected to save taxpayers $46 million by 2015 by preventing expected growth in the state prison population, of which $20 million would be reinvested over four years to improve felony probation supervision. First-time property and drug offenders are required to serve probation and receive treatment rather than spending short terms in prison and then returning to their communities without supervision. The law emerged from the work of Ohio’s bipartisan, interbranch work group, which received technical assistance from

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the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center again through the JRI. Another justice reinvestment program is underway in West Virginia, according to the CSG Justice Center, which partners with state and local criminal justice system stakeholders to pursue a data-driven justice reinvestment approach to reduce corrections spending and reinvest the savings. The CSG reports the number of people in West Virginia on supervision who were revoked to prison increased by 47 percent between 2005 and 2011, representing the single largest driver of the state’s then rapidly growing prison population. Failure to adhere to the terms of probation or parole often stemmed from people’s substance use disorders, yet few people under supervision received treatment in their communities. As part of West Virginia’s justice reinvestment approach to controlling prison

Dept. of Labor Grants to Continue Reentry Efforts Several current and former Second Chance Act grantees—including Volunteers of America of Los Angeles, Pima Prevention Partnership, the RIDGE Project, Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, STRIVE International, and the Dannon Project—were awarded funding in September from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to support workforce development, reduce recidivism, and assist people returning to communities after incarceration. The DOL grants—totaling $64.5 million—are being issued to 40 organizations providing services in 26 states and Washington, D.C., through four programs tracks—Reentry Demonstration Projects for Young Adults, Training to Work, Pathways to Justice Careers, and Linking to Employment Activities Pre-Release. “These grants are an important step in fulfilling our promise as a land of second chances by moving beyond locking people up and instead working together to unlock their potential,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. —Council of State Government Justice Center Staff

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growth, state leaders will have appropriated $9 million between FY2014 and FY2016 to expand community-based substance use treatment and services for people at high risk of violating their probation or parole. County-level grants are now being awarded to fund inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, the development of addiction recovery housing, and the hiring of recovery

support specialists in order to expand counties’ capacity to deliver substance use treatment and services for people on supervision.

California Realignment Facing a U.S. Supreme court mandate to reduce its prison population by more than 30,000 prisoners, the state of California enacted sweeping justice

realignment legislation in April 2011, effectively shifting responsibility for a sizeable portion of felony offenders from the state to its counties. In passing the “Realignment” legislature, the goal was to not only reduce overcrowding “but to reallocate resources toward locally administered, cost-effective, evidence-based alternatives that have the potential to cut

For L.A.’s Chronically Homeless, Recovery Is ‘Just In Reach’ The top 10 percent of users of all public services in Los Angeles are people who are chronically homeless, repeatedly involved with the criminal justice system, and also have a diagnosable illness such as HIV/AIDS, mental illness, or addiction, according to a 2009 report by the Economic Roundtable. Many of these individuals repeatedly cycle through service providers without receiving long-lasting or specialized treatment. For Doug Bond, director of California Services and Operations at the Amity Foundation—a nonprofit focused on reentry and the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders—the solution to this revolving door for vulnerable populations is about more than enrolling an individual in whatever services happen to be available. It’s about asking the right questions and basing services on people’s needs. With these issues in mind, in 2006 a collaborative of local agencies and nonprofits, spearheaded in part by the Amity Foundation (whose Los Angeles-based reentry program, Amistad de Los Angeles, is a FY2014 Second Chance Act Mentoring grant recipient) came together to address the needs of this chronically high-need population in Los Angeles. The result was Just in Reach (JIR), a reentry model focused on achieving a level of service integration for its target population that aims to eliminate people falling through the cracks. Through JIR, the Amity Foundation partners with public and private entities including Volunteers of America; Kedren, a health service provider; Chrysalis, an employment service provider; the Skid Row Housing Trust; CSH, a national housing advocacy group; the Conrad Hilton Foundation; the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office; the Los Angeles County Probation and Parole; and the City of Los Angeles Health Department. The level of service coordination among JIR partners creates better-targeted care for the vulnerable populations served. Through pre- and post-incarceration services, JIR creates a stable environment in 34 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

which goals such as employment and family reunification can be built. “Long term success can’t be sustained if people don’t first have access to safety and shelter,” Bond said. “Without safety and shelter, other services may not have the impact necessary to help these people succeed.” Peer mentoring, one of the reentry services provided by the Amity Foundation, plays a vital role in the overall success of JIR, according to several of the program staff, some of whom have gone through the program themselves, including Alan Richards, Amistad de Los Angeles’ JIR program coordinator. “I had an opportunity to do something different,” he said of his experience as a client at Amity. “I was given information and direction that helped me get my life back together.” The results of the collaborative so far seem promising. JIR houses more than 100 high-risk individuals in its transitional housing facilities and— according to program partners—preliminary data from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, who are currently doing a robust evaluation of the program, suggests a far lower 24-month reconviction rate for participants than that for the general population released from Los Angeles County detention facilities. There are fiscal benefits, too. The high utilizers of social services are estimated to cost the community $68,000 per participant per year, compared to $20,000 per participant for a year in JIR services. Because of this success, Bond said statewide expansion might be in JIR’s future. “We need to move away from the criminalization of homelessness,” he said. “We need to move toward a more human approach.” JIR is one of a few programs being considered as a Pay For Success model to be implemented statewide by the California Board of State and Community Corrections, a designation that would boost JIR’s sustainability. — Maureen Richey, CSG Justice Center VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

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Preliminary data regarding reentry model “Just in Reach” suggests a far lower 24-month reconviction rate for participants than that for the general population released from Los Angeles County detention facilities. recidivism and shut the revolving door of the state’s prison system.” (Note: California follows a community corrections paradigm but is not part of the JRI model). The legislation changed the state’s management of individuals convicted of certain nonserious, nonviolent, nonsexual (N3) felony offenses, shifting responsibility for these offenders from state prisons and parole to county jail and probation. Under Realignment, individuals convicted of eligible N3 offenses serve their sentences under the jurisdiction of the county either in jail, on probation or on a split sentence (i.e., a jail sentence followed by a period of probation). Only individuals with a current or prior conviction for a serious or violent felony are eligible to be sentenced in state prison, (this extends to those who must register as sex offenders and other specific crimes). Similarly, only the most serious offenders are supervised by state parole upon release; others are supervised by county probation under newly created postrelease community supervision. Finally, the majority of individuals with a technical parole violation no longer return to prison— rather they face a maximum of 180 days in jail. 36 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

In November 2014, California Proposition 47, or the Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative, reclassified a number of nonviolent drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Individuals convicted of these crimes now face reduced penalties, and savings realized from the reform are to be reinvested in truancy prevention, mental health and substances abuse treatment, and victims’ services. The new law also allows certain offenders convicted of eligible crimes to apply for reduced sentences.

Measuring the Impact of Realignment While it is still early to measure long-term results of Realignment according to the Thinking Local report, data are available to investigate initial impacts. CDCR estimates that Realignment has reduced the state’s prison population by about 25,000 (CDCR 2013). A recent analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) also found that although the average daily population in the state’s jails has risen by approximately 12% since Realignment was implemented, the overall incarceration rate including rates for both prisons

and jails has declines (Lofstrom and Raphael 2013a). A companion report documented that Realignment has not resulted in an increase in violent crime, though it does seem to have contributed to an increase in property crime driven entirely by an increase in auto theft (Lofstrom and Raphael 2013b). One of the effects of realignment is rising populations at the local level, and according to the PPIC analysis, 16 counties reported that their jails were operating over capacity in 2012, up from 11 in 2011. Another concern on the part of local stakeholders is about crowding and management of a higher risk population in local jails and on probation (Petersilia 2014).

‘Historic’ Changes These changes to the criminal justice system are historic, and thus, the report points out, “It will be some time before the long-term fiscal and public safety impacts of these unprecedented reforms on the state and its 58 counties are fully understood.” In addition, research continues on studying other reentry programs to discover the impact community corrections has on recidivism, corrections departments, safety to the community and costs to taxpayers. ✪

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BY MICHAEL GROHS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

THE WAR ON CELL PHONES WAYS TO FIGHT THE BATTLE.

CELL

phones can be an annoyance in public, but in prisons they are a nightmare. Inmates can surreptitiously deal drugs, intimidate witnesses, run gangs, and manage criminal enterprises. In a period of just over three weeks, a single South Carolina facility detected more than 35,000 phone calls and texts. In March 2010, Capt. Robert Johnson, an officer at Lee

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Correctional Institution in Bishopville, S.C., was shot in his own home six times in the chest and stomach and severely injured. It was, as stated in an April Op-Ed piece in USA Today by Governor Nikki Haley and FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai, in retaliation for being good at his job in keeping contraband, particularly cell phones, out of the facility. The hit was ordered over a cell phone. There are many ways to stop

them, but they still get through. As Gov. Haleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Op-Ed pointed out, the manner in which they are introduced involve everything from being dropped from drones to phones being thrown over the fence stuffed in anything from a football to a dead cat. This is a population that is not supposed to have access to paper clips. The procedure to keep contraband out, says James Viscardi, vice president of Global Security

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at Metrasens, the manufacturer of Cellsense, starts with facilities determining what they want to keep out and how it is getting in in the first place. Cell phones are a primary piece of contraband. There are laws. Vicky Waters, press secretary at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), notes, “Cell phone possession by inmates is a penal code violation,

it at traditional places, which are at the perimeter of the facility, and the third is that they use traditional tools, and often what is needed are mobile and high-tech tools that can be brought to nontraditional areas. Says Waters, “We [CDCR] are currently in the process of installing a suite of detection solutions at all institutions, which will include x-ray scanners, ferromagnetic detec-

Garrett’s PD-6500i walk through detector has a new Prisons 2 program that provides enhanced detection of difficult weapons that are carried through in a vertical orientation—an orientation that has proven to be difficult for some other systems to detect.” What facilities have been asking for, Moore says, is detectors that meet NIJ standards, “Something that the Garrett PD-

or a misdemeanor charge, that results in 90 days lost credit.” Most facilities use multiple tactics to keep phones out, what Viscardi describes as a “layered security approach” that includes X-ray machines, metal detectors, wands, canines, and inmate intel, yet every day Viscardi speaks to someone who has a contraband problem and they have to ask Why? The answer is often three pronged. The first, he says, is that most facilities use traditional measures: the checkpoint paradigm. The second is that they do

tors, metal detectors, etc.” Dogs, Viscardi says, are good, but they are expensive to train and can usually only work for about 45 minutes before needing to rest. They can also find cell phones but will miss other contraband, such as weapons. Steve Moore, director, Marketing Communications at Garland, Texas-based Garrett Metal Detectors furthers that, “Prisons are concerned with stopping all types of metallic contraband, including items such as handmade knives or even razor blades.

6500i walkthrough detector meets or exceeds in each case. Two dimensional objects, such as knife blades, hacksaw blades, and razor blades, continue to be a concern, and Garrett has taken steps to ensure these items are properly detected with its latest Prisons 2 program on the PD6500i.” About five years ago, a newer ferromagnetic technology was developed by physicists that can detect cell phones whether they are on or off, have a battery or not, or are on the inside or outside

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of a human body. The technology does not detect metal. It detects magnetic components and changes in the earth’s magnetic field. There are numerous benefits to the device, such as being able to move it from place to place. (It weighs only 23 pounds.) It usually takes about 10 minutes to properly search a mattress. It can now be done in 10 seconds by dragging it in front the Cellsense unit. “It can detect a tattoo pin in a mattress.” In one situation, an inmate swallowed two security bits, which he knew he could get through a metal detector. When he was walked in front of Cellsense, the device was alerted and the inmate admitted he had swallowed them. The sensitivity shows tiny amounts of metal. If a paperclip is scanned with an X-ray, it will appear the size of a paperclip. If it is scanned with ferromagnetic technology, “It looks the size of a softball.” Another benefit is that the units can be hidden, and inmates can walk in front of it without being aware of it being there. It will detect metal behind a wall. Even if that wall contains metal, it will still work because in that case the metal is not moving. Its battery also lasts for 16 hours. Having a managed access system is a component to the cell phone wall. Using managed access, facilities can either monitor or prevent phone calls, but Viscardi points out an important consideration. There is a misconception that managed access will turn a cell phone “into a brick,” but that it is not the case. It does, though, alter the threat. It may not be able to make or receive phone calls, but it can be used to send and store messages, pictures, video or myriad other information that could be smuggled out. A few years ago, Waters says, CDCR began installing a managed access system, which focused on interrupting cell phone communications, a tactic that is currently being used in 18 state prisons “and has proven successful.” The 42 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

system, though has proven somewhat difficult to maintain due to the continual advances in technology, so late last year, the department’s focus has shifted toward detection and elimination of cell phones rather than interruption of communication.” Matt McCrann, director of Government Programs at Tecore Networks points out that other measures, such as using a wand are effective, but there is a lot of personal interaction. There is also the matter of officers smuggling phones, which then defeats the purpose. (One officer in California made $120,000 from smuggling in phones.) Tecore’s iNAC Managed Access system “forms a radio frequency umbrella around a precisely defined target area and manages cellular devices within range.” With the system, unauthorized phones cannot be used. The FCC does not allow blanket jamming. All phones must be able to call 911, but the FCC works with Tecore. If the system identifies a phone and realizes it’s the warden, it will go through the commercial network. If it is from one of the inmates, they would get a denial of service.

Addressing the Demand, Not the Supply Brian Byrne is the managing partner at meshDETECT. He acknowledges that cell phones are a problem in correctional facilities around the world. He also points out that a large percentage of phone calls are not of a nefarious nature and discusses considering addressing the demand for phones rather than the supply. He furthers that about 40% of phone calls from prison are on an approved list and perhaps 70% including other family members or friends not on the list which is usually limited to about ten. “If they reduce the demand on those calls and offer some privacy, the demand will be reduced.” Mesh calls are monitored and recorded and can receive phone calls only from approved people. Right now

there is not really a proactive way to contact a prisoner for day-today contact, such as to ask, “I’m selling the car. Where’s the title?” Cell phones, he contends, have often been considered the enemy, but more access to loved ones has proven to reduce recidivism, creates less anxiety, and could potentially generate revenue for the prison. Elements that can be controlled with meshDETECT include when calls can be made, who can make them, or whether the call is inbound or outbound. It can be shut down and changes made. “All that can be done with a pay phone but customized.” The facility determines who is and is not approved and can change restrictions. The technology uses a traditional cell phone network with no WiFi. As it stands, the all and out total blockage is not an option. A 1934 law states that the FCC can grant permission to jam public airways only to federal agencies and not state or local governments. A recent letter sent to the FCC from 10 governors (including Vice President-Elect Pence) asked the Commissioners to reevaluate the current regulations regarding contraband cell phones and to allow states more flexibility to deal with them. About three years ago the FCC recommended allowing prisons to manage their own cell phone network access, and five states have, but under the current rules, each prison needs to petition the agency every time it wants to implement a system, restrictions that the FCC has called so complicated and timeconsuming they discourage use. As a result, the FCC proposed cutting the red tape and streamlining the process for using the technology. In the Op-Ed piece, Gov. Haley noted that South Carolina has expanded its use of managed access systems in its prisons since Cpt. Johnson's shooting, CNN reported. But she said the FCC must lead the way by loosening its regulation over prisons' airwaves. ✪

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BY BILL SCHIFFNER, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

GEARING UP FOR THE ACA WINTER CONFERENCE The American Correctional Association’s upcoming Congress of Correction promises to be an ideal occasion to check out the latest in new products and technologies for the corrections market. Being held this year at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, from January 20-25, 2017, this annual winter event continues to be one of the largest gatherings of corrections managers in the country. We report on computer tablets, sustainable products, transport and tactical gear, security and software, and more. Tommy Norris, chairman of ACA’s Clean and Green Committee, AJA’s Eco Aisle and CEO/founder of GreenPrisons.org, reports that ACA’s Winter conference will once again have a significant focus on sustainable products, technology and practices. “The Green Aisle will provide attendees the opportunity to meet with vendors of these technologies such as green chemicals, solar thermal heating, water management, porous paving and more. Many of these companies have demonstrated success in the correctional environment and can demonstrate savings for correctional agencies,” says Norris. He adds that attendees are also invited to attend the Sustainability Committee meeting on Saturday, January 21st at 1:30pm. “The training and employment of offenders in meaningful jobs is an important part of this sustainability movement,” he points out. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops that demonstrate the effectiveness of these training programs and their ability to prepare inmates for employment upon release.” Here are some of the cutting-edge products and technologies that corrections managers can peruse on the show floor. VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

Cell Phone Detection Cellsense Plus offers unmatched detection and deployment options for cell phones, weapons and contraband, according to its maker. Use Cellsense at checkpoints and within the facility such as in the yard, mailroom, housing units, and loading docks to screen objects and people in a fast walk-by. Cellsense is unsurpassed at detecting concealed contraband including razors and mini key fob phones. Dramatically reduce nuisance alarm rates, increase throughput and provide enhanced protection from contraband with Cellsense Plus. www.metrasens.com , 1.630.541.6509

Ultra Pan Carrier This two-compartment insulated transport cart maintains safe food temperatures and ensures HACCP compliance. The UPC1600 holds up to 16 full-size, fourinch-deep food pans. Choose from two heated doors, or one heated door and one passive door. The optional Security Package features tamper-resistant fasteners, non-removable doors, and heavy-duty casters with chassis plate mounted with tamper-resistant bolts. www.cambro.com, 1.800.833.3003 CORRECTIONS FORUM • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 43

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Jail Management System Black Creek’s SallyPort Jail Management System is simple and easy to use. It makes the process of booking and detention as fast and as easy as possible. SallyPort works seamlessly with records management systems and other thirdparty applications promoting information sharing and automating many of the booking and record-keeping tasks of any size detention facility. From intake to release, SallyPort helps you ensure due process and realize higher levels of efficiency throughout your operations. http://blackcreekisc.com, 1.205.949.9900

Alcohol Monitoring Devices The SSI-20/30 Ignition Interlock and SMART Mobile portable device is the go-to alcohol monitoring technology for probation and parole officers nationwide. Their Interlock provides programmable violation levels, and the SMART Mobile serves as a monitoring tool for offenders of all risk levels. As the first company to employ camera technology in both Interlocks and portable devices, Smart Start is a tried-and-true leader within the alcohol monitoring industry. www.smartstartinc.com, 1.800.880.3394

Seafood on the Menu Seafood is always a top seller in the commissaries and Union Supply is introducing 11 new exciting unique flavors. One of their newest is the Fisherman’s Paradise Deep Fried Catfish in Spicy Southern Sauce. This unique item is high in protein, a natural source of omega 3 and is halal. http://www.unionsupplydirect.com, 1.866.404.8989

Transport Systems The VanCell Elite is ADA compliant and equipped with the latest technologies to ensure safe and cost effective transport. The extended van length allows transport for up to 13 inmates with four configurable segregation compartments. The standard four-camera viewing system provides improved visibility and security. Seatbelts, fire extinguishers, and emergency egress releases are located throughout the vehicle for both officer and inmate safety. https://bobbarker.com, 1.800.334.9880

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VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

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Classification Module COMPAS Classification interfaces with existing jail management systems to provide the best in critical inmate management decision support and management of jail classification operations. Features of the solution include a nationally-validated Decision Tree Classification used for both primary classification and reclassifications/classification reviews, medical, mental health and suicide screening tools, PREA assessment and incident reporting, PTSD Screening instruments, inmate housing plan and management, inmate disciplinary management, gang and program management, a robust and comprehensive reporting, and more. www.northpointeinc.com, 1.888.221.4615

Candy Bar New Snickers & Hazelnut Bar features peanuts, caramel and nougat covered in milk chocolate—with the addition of delicious hazelnuts. Snickers & Hazelnut Bar was the most incremental and consumer preferred singleproduct addition to the existing portfolio and category in recent consumer testing. www.mars.com

Porous Paving System Facilities continue to face budget challenges for not only new capital projects, but ongoing maintenance expenses continue to balloon out of control. KBI’s FlexiPave and suite of sustainable infrastructure products provide agencies a unique solution in the form of long-life, virtually zero-maintenance products for every application. http://kbius.com, 1.727.723.3300

ARCH Helmet Reported to be exceptionally durable and designed for immediate riot response, the PACA Advanced Riot Control Helmet (ARCH) delivers the optimal combination of high performance and protection. The ARCH exceeds the NIJ 0104.02 Standard for Riot Helmets and features many enhancements including: detachable face shield with liquid seal, nape pad with Kydexpenetration shield, shockabsorbent foam pads and chemical-resistant chin cup for added comfort, faceguard with (3.2mm) diameter steel wire, black nylon coating and welded joints for maximum strength and safety, 4point attachment system with supportive neck pad, and optional NIJ compliant quick release buckle. www.pointblankenterprises.com, 1.800.413.5155

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

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Companies by Category Architectural/Construction Service CGL CoreCivic EPIC Metals SMRT Architects and Engineers STV

Cell Phone Detection Metrasens-Cellsense

Commissary Products, Services, Systems Cashless Systems Cintas Endur ID Keefe Group Microtronic US Tech Friends

Communications Systems Buford Satellite Systems Correctional Cable TV

Computer Software/Systems Black Creek Cashless Systems ECSI International Infax, Inc.

Drug Detection Equipment/ Supplies/ Services Garrett Metal Detectors Hatco

Educational/Training Correctional Cable TV EPIC Metals NaphCare

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Facility Operations/ Management CoreCivic Imperial Fastener Keefe Group Screenflex

Personal Protection Razor Ribbon by Atkore

Perimeter Detection & Security ECSI International Garrett Metal Detectors

Food Service/ Kitchen Equipment Cook’s Correctional Hatco Insinger Machine Company

Satellite/Cable TV Buford Satellite Systems Correctional Cable TV

Inmate Products and Services Endur ID Institutional Eyecare Tech Friends

Mattresses, Bedding, Safety Pillows Chestnut Ridge Foam

Medical/Healthcare Services Cintas Corizon Health Diamond Pharmacy Services Endur ID Institutional Eyecare Medi-Dose NaphCare

Mental Health Services Endur ID

Metal Detectors CEIA USA Garrett Metal Detectors

Security - Electronic Systems Black Creek DoorKing, Inc. ECSI International Garrett Metal Detectors Icotech, Inc. Timekeeping Systems

Security - Physical Hardware AUTOCLEAR DoorKing, Inc. CEIA, USA EPIC Metals Garrett Metal Detectors Metrasens Razor Ribbon by Atkore Timekeeping Systems

Transportation Motor Coach Industries

Video Applications Black Creek Icotech, Inc.

Non Profit Charity Correctional Peace Officers Foundation VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

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DIRECTORY Cashless Systems, Inc. 1041 Davis Dr. Apex, NC 27523 tel: 919-481-1616 fax: 704-908-9976 contact: Marshall Boon, President 16100 S. Lathrop Ave. Harvey, IL 60426 tel: 708-225-2122 contact: Carmen Samara email: csamara@atkore.com website: www.razorribbon.com ...Razor Ribbon a division of Allied Tube & Conduit is a leading manufacturer of Barbed Tape Products such as Razor Ribbon, Instabarrier, Detainer Hook Barb, Barbed Tape Concertina, Razor Coil, Maze, Super Maze, Rapid Deployment Unit Barrier, Military BTC, Fence Posts, and Razor Wire available in stainless steel and galvanized. From correctional facilities to chemical and nuclear sites to military and maritime applications, Razor Ribbon Barbed Tape perimeter protection is trusted the world over.

email:

16255 CR 178 Tyler, TX 75703 tel: 866-480-1844 fax: 903-833-4222 contact: Nancy Bolton, VP of Operations email: nancy@bufordmedia.com website:

www.bufordsatellitesystems.com ...Buford Satellite Systems provides cost effective secure Cable Television and Satellite services to federal, state, and private correctional facilities using the most updated technology available. Facilities have the freedom to choose from an array of programming choices. All equipment, repair, and maintenance up to the headend are provided at no additional cost.

Black Creek Integrated Systems PO Box 101747 Irondale, AL 35210 tel: 205-949-9900 fax: 205-949-9910 email: sales@blackcreekisc.com website: www.blackcreekisc.com ...From Revenuegenerating Video Visitation Systems to Enterprise-class Jail Management Solutions, Black Creek Integrated Systems is your turn-key source for modern Touchscreen-based, correctional facility security control systems and security management software solutions that reduce the cost of corrections. Black Creek focuses only on the corrections market installing integrated security and records management solutions in jails, prisons, courthouses and government facilities across the nation.

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1619 Sumter Street, 4th Floor Columbia, SC 29201 tel: 803-765-2833 contact: Matthew J. Skarr, Senior Vice President, Business Development email: marketing@cglcompanies.com website: www.CGLcompanies.com ... CGL works to provide local, state, and national communities with more efficient facilities to better serve the public. CGL provides facility planning, needs assessments (including security and health care), architectural programs, building design, program management, facility maintenance, development, and financing services specifically for criminal justice facilities, offering our clients the unique ability to wisely minimize the Total Cost of Ownership of their existing or to-bebuilt facilities.

marshallboon@CashlessSystems.com website: www.CashlessSystems.com ...The Cashless Commissary & Trust Fund Accounting System (CACTAS) software system from CSi can fully automate your inmate banking and commissary operations. CACTAS utilizes the latest technology including inmate order entry kiosks, credit/debit card deposit processing via lobby kiosk and/or internet web site, hand-held PDA devices, IVR (interactive voice recognition) technology order entry utilizing your existing inmate telephone hand sets, electronic signature capture, an OMR scanner interface, internet client connectivity to managed hosting database servers, other agency inmate billing, and compatible distribution center software for support of commissary services bagging operations.

9155 Dutton Drive Twinsburg, OH 44087 tel: 888-532-2342 email: security@ceia-usa.com website: www.ceia-usa.com ...CEIA Law Enforcement and Correctional Facility solutions include metal detection systems that provide superior automatic detection of a full range of metal weapon threat items, over the entire body of the individual, including the body cavities, while offering cutting edge discrimination technology of personal metal items, together with a rapid transit flow of individuals, and extremely versatile visual and acoustic signaling capabilities.

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

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