Spring 2022

SPRING 2022 VOL. 31 NO 3

THE PICK OF LOCKS IMPLEMENTING A BODY CAM PROGRAM

T O P S T

E S E E L A W S S Y R A THE S IS

PU

BL PI ISH CK E S R’S

M M O C N I

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED 69 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755 Corrections Forum

CORRECTIONS

FORUM

Publisher & Executive Editor

Thomas S. Kapinos tsk2@mac.com • West

SPRING 2022

Assistant Publisher

Jennifer A. Kapinos Associate Publisher Peggy Virgadamo (718) 456-7329 pegpaulv@aol.com • Northeast

4 14

The Sweet Spot In Commissary Sales The Pick of Locks

Sales Representatives Kelly Green (310) 374-2700 kelly@correctionsforum.net • Midwest Sherry Beth Virgadamo (813) 220-9492 sherrybeth@tampabay.rr.com • South Editor-in-Chief

Donna Rogers Contributing Editors Michael Grohs, M.J. Guercio, Bill Schiffner, G.F. Guercio Art Director

24

Correctional Officer Wellness Study

26

Publisher’s Picks Unique & Innovative Corrections Tech

30

Implementing A Body Worn Camera Program

34

Jamie Stroud

CORRECTIONS FORUM

(ISSN10729275) is published bi-monthly by: Criminal Justice Media, Inc 18521 E. Queen Creek Rd. Suite 105-416 Queen Creek, AZ 85142 (310) 374-2700 Send address changes to:

CORRECTIONS FORUM Subscription Department 69 Lyme Rd. Hanover, NH 03755 Fax: (603) 643-6551 Annual subscriptions for non-qualified personnel, United States only, is $60.00.

Single copy or back issues - $10.00 All Canada and Foreign subscriptions are $90.00 per year.

For free digital “issues” go to www.correctionsforum.net

Ad Index

Printed in the United States of America, Copyright © 2022 Criminal Justice Media, Inc.

CORRECTIONS FORUM Main Offices

18521 E. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 105-416 Queen Creek, AZ 85142 (310) 374-2700

BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

What’s New in Commissary

Prison commissary has a fine line to walk—provide goods to satisfy incarcerated individual’s needs and wants, and offer them at competitive prices.

COMMISSARIES are an essential component of prison life. Those behind bars buy a variety of retail items, from snacks to sneakers, shower gel to razors. According to commissary data it is widely accepted that sales are concentrated on food and hygiene. Increasingly though the retail landscape is also expanding to include digital services like messaging, games and music.

4 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

Those incarcerated plunk down quite a bit of cash each year to the commissary. A 2018 Prison Policy Initiative analysis of sales reports from state prisons said in Illinois and Massachusetts that incarcerated people spent an average of more than $1,000 per person at the commissary during the course of a year. In Washington state per capita sales were about half as much.

The purchase of shave cream or

a creamy donut is not to be considered an afterthought: the commissary is proven to be an important part of prison life. It lifts morale, gives people a sense of freedom and choice—and supplements the prison budget. Thus it’s important for prison officials to take a close look at keeping prices reasonable and operations smoothly run.

Most families need to supplement the incarcerated individual

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

if they want to make purchases.

The Prison Policy study clearly illustrates that prisoners spend more than they make. While spending overall reached as high as $1,200 per person annually in the states studied, that is well over the typical amount incarcerated people earn working regular prison jobs—on average $180 to $660 per year.

Commissaries Offer a Lifeline The truth is that commissaries provide a lifeline to those incarcerated. Food sales and hygiene top the list of total expenditures per person in all three states studied. Being able to close the gap in diet with food items like ramen and ready-to-eat food or personal hygiene like toothpaste and body wash can make a huge difference in the mental health and wellbeing of individuals. In fact, in the three states analyzed

Launched in March, Crunchy Cookie is M&M Brand’s new offering this year.

food dominated spending—on average 75% of commissary funds were spent on this category, including ready food, snack food, ingredients, condiments

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

and beverages.

Another area of concern is digital sales, the latest “product” to be offered through the commissary.

Care needs to be taken to manage

CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022 5

Snickers, Twix and M&M’s remain some of the most loved and most popular candies. An emerging trend is the Peg size (contains a peg hole on top for hanging), which offers a better price point per ounce.

the cost of electronic messaging, music and entertainment downloads, or even ebooks and education, as well as the tablets that are needed to stream content.

With the joy that a snack like a pack of M&M’s or the latest pop song brings, responsibility comes with how much a burden these extras cost to those incarcerated who are working for low wages— or to their families who are already burdened with a loved one in prison. We checked with industry experts to see what some of the trends are this spring in commissary sales. This is what we learned.

Despite everything happening in the world around us, Snickers, Twix and M&M’s remain “our most loved, most popular core brand offerings that continue to drive the business,” says Ciara Smith, business development manager with Advantage Military. “These iconic core brands have stood the test of time and continue to accelerate 8 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

category growth.”

Building on that popularity, M&M’s Crunchy Cookie, launched in March, is this year’s new item offering for the M&M’s Brand. It features a crunchy center covered in milk chocolate that reminds us of a classic chocolate chip cookie. This offers a crispy and crunchy texture to the M&M’S lineup in which innovation has been focused on soft centers over the past few years, says Smith. It’s now available in Single, Share Size, and Sharing Size/Stand-up Pouch.

Emerging trends Smith sees in the commissary are “larger future consumption pack types…as they give the best value when considering cost per ounce. More specifically, we’ve seen an increase in Peg Bags as they serve as the next trade-up option to traditional immediate consumption usually seen in the commissary market.”

(Ed note: Peg is short for “peggable,” which contains a hole at the top for hanging on a peg.)

As for what is most popular

Some of Union Supply’s new offerings including Lyndell Deans Meatballs, and Hereford’s choices shown here are made with 100% beef rather than fillers.

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

and has stood the test of time, “Coffee, coffee and more coffee!” says Debbi Drewry, director of marketing, with 30-year veteran company Union Supply. “In addition to coffee, the normal staples such as rice and beans and tortillas, condiments especially hot sauces, all ready-to-eat meals including fish and all types of meat snacks.”

As for any individual, whether incarcerated or not, she further notes, “Variety is the spice of life.

We keep up with the latest flavor offerings from major national manufacturers and when not available we create our own.

Newer product offerings include a variety of ready-to-eat meals, which are one of the highest selling categories. Some of our exciting unique new items include Lyndell Deans Meatballs, and Hereford’s Jambalaya with Rice, Beef Ribs in BBQ sauce and Beef Crumbles made with 100% beef rather than fillers.” Union Supply

10 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

specifically sources products that meet Halal certification requirements, so these are permitted by all areas of the population.

“We continue to add variety in our Personal Care category offering value priced products including a range of scents from our Urban Wash, energizing to calming, depending on the self-care need.”

For more than 30 years, we have exclusively serviced the prison industry, she explains, “so we carry every item that a commissary would need and then some; food, health and beauty care, stationery, electronics, personal care, clothing, and shoes.

We also go the extra mile of sourcing unique items that a commissary might request to fulfill a specific required need. We are a onestop shop.”

Something unusual is that Union Supply designs high quality, competitively priced shoes, continues Drewry. “We are a leader for high quality innovative

footwear at affordable pricing.”

What is different is that the firm distributes shoes that meet security requirements of facilities including both athletic shoes and boots. No models have hidden pockets where contraband can be stored. And, “When a facility is ready to offer a new model of shoes, Union Supply buys back the remaining stock on hand. We call this our Golden Shoe Policy.

The Golden Shoe Policy ensures the facility is never left with unsellable product on hand, affecting financials.”

National Network of Operating Centers Another firm that has an extensive national supply network is Vistar, a division of Performance Food Group. It offers a vast assortment of products to serve the unique and demanding needs of the correctional commissary space, says Mike McQuarrie, marketing

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

Vistar’s wide assortment of products are available from its national network of Operating Centers.

manager. This includes snacks, grocery, beverages, health, beauty, fresh and frozen foods, hot and cold food and beverage items, bet-

12 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

ter-for-you snacks, nutritional products, foodservice goods and PFG’s own line of proprietary items including food and nonfood products. All are available at

competitive prices from Vistar’s national network of Operating Centers and shipped on Vistar's company-owned-and-operated fleet of climate-controlled trucks or common carriers as dictated.

As for the global financial climate, including supply chain shortages, lack of manpower, high fuel prices, and more, the squeeze is placing demands on suppliers and prisons alike. “Unfortunately, the trend is constant cost increases and product unavailability,” acknowledges Drewry. “It is hard to not address the pandemic effects as it has been challenging for everyone, but especially for the prison industry. Our suppliers run into roadblocks every step of the way regarding packaging labels, containers sitting in the ports, raw materials, etc. We do our best to get out in front of the changes using the most consistent dependable suppliers to ensure the commissaries are not out of stock of key items.”

That is the case in point. In the end, how important is commissary to those inside? We looked at the site Quora to find answers.

According to Paul Perry: “It’s the most valuable thing possible.

Commissary is the one thing that gives you a feeling of freedom.” %

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

BY M.J. GUERCIO, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Robust Physical Security The best solutions come at the intersection of traditional and high-tech.

KeySystems’ Tamper-Proof Key Rings are color coded with plastic tags for quick identification.

he physical security of a facility involves protecting multiple assets and individuals—from corrections counselors and officers to vehicles, computers, and networks. These diverse sets of assets and people require an array of security measures. Solutions can be both lowtech and high-tech; most effectively the two are used in unison.

T

14 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

Physical security can include video surveillance, perimeter intrusion detection systems, complex locking systems, key control, and access and asset control.

A recent industry case study supports this view, asserting: "Correctional facilities are some of the most critical physical security operations, requiring a combination of old wisdom and new technology to run smoothly and securely."

Take physical keys, for example; while they have provided security to correctional facilities for hundreds of years, newer digital methods add another layer, helping to make overall correctional security tighter and safer.

The above white paper maintains that old and new tech are each useful in their own way. For example, physical keys are cumbersome and difficult for inmates to steal or hide. On the down-

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

The KeyTrak Guardian safely houses numerous keys and assets.

side, storing and keeping track of a stack of keys can be a daunting and challenging undertaking.

Key control systems like KeyTrak's Guardian are made for high-security fields like corrections and can help by organizing and safely storing keys. Guardian is a modular asset control system that can be tailored to secure and track multiple items, including weapons, medicine, evidence, fire and ERT (emergency response team) gear, kitchen sharps, paracentric keys, and more.

It secures keys using solid steel components that lock into the system panel, preventing unauthorized access. The system automatically records each time a key is checked in or out of the system. It provides managers and senior officers with a verifiable audit trail to see who took out what key and when. The Guardian also offers a fingerprint scanner and a motion-sensitive camera to verify the identity of the person accessing the system.

It can be customized with panels for various needs, from housing keys in the control room to securing visiting officers' weapons upon intake.

KeyTrak's Edge is a drawerbased system for less sensitive 16 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

keys. It is typically used to secure the keys to a fleet of vehicles or hold backup keys. Both the Guardian and Edge can be expanded as a facility's requirements change.

When asked why a facility should choose KeyTrak, Derek Clark, regional sales manager, answered that "simply put, KeyTrak's relationship with customers doesn't end when they sign on the dotted line. We don't sell the system and then abandon them to figure it all out on their own; every system represents a partnership."

The company takes customer feedback seriously and continually develops new products based on clients' needs, says Clark. For example, the Guardian has evolved in recent years to address the need to secure large rings of paracentric cell keys. "We heard, we listened, and we responded.

We created a low-density key panel with fewer key slots, tailored specifically to accommodate large paracentric keys," he adds.

Key Systems Inc. (KSI) also provides a responsive approach; its engineers offer custom solutions to meet their client's diverse needs. Brian Ferraro, director of photography and marketing, states that "our 30 years of industry experience ensures we can create customized products to serve any industry and its requirements better."

KSI produces key and asset security management systems that are network ready and webenabled. The company offers a line of Security Asset Managers (SAMs) and Tamper-Proof Key Rings.

SAMs house numerous assets and are configurable to multiple dimensions for storing an array of items; custom lock spacing is also available. KSI offers several electronically-controlled SAM styles to store, audit, and manage keys and assets.

Symphony places cameras, perimeter alarms and access control all on one screen.

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

The Mortise Cylinder with raised plug face from ASSA ABLOY prevents damage and breakage in even the most abusive environments.

Keys and their management are only half of the equation; the other half are the locks they access. ASSA ABLOY has offerings on both sides of this equation.

ASSA manufactures mogul cylinder and master key systems, while SimpleK and Medeco offer key management software and Intelligent Key Cabinets. Both companies are a part of the ASSA ABLOY family and provide additional layers of security toward key system automation.

ASSA's mogul cylinders are made for the detention center industry and are used in jails, prisons, correctional facilities, and behavioral health centers worldwide.

The company’s cylinders provide numerous keying capabilities and more than 160,000 change keys under a single master key. Its mogul cylinders have six-tumbler cylinders and offer higher security than standard five-tumbler cylinders. By design they allow numerous cylinders to be unlocked with one master key.

The company makes a raised plug-face cylinder specific to the detention market that prevents damage and breakage in high-use and abusive environments. Its cylinders also have a dual-locking mechanism. Each key comes with a lifetime warranty that guarantees replacement free of charge if breakage occurs under normal use, meaning that keys are used 18 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

only on locks and not for other purposes.

ASSA manufactures specialfunction cylinders that provide directional and limited rotation and are covered by a utility patent until 2030. Being covered by a patent prevents any person or company from reproducing the key which in turn discourages unauthorized key access and duplication.

ASSA mogul cylinders meet the UL437 high security and ASTM 1577 detention lock standards. Its cylinders are made to resist drill and physical attacks, and they can be easily re-keyed in the field.

They stand up to heavy usage and provide the accountability necessary for today's detention centers.

The company's dual locking mechanism is available in high security mechanical or electronic formats to ensure compliance where mandatory monitoring is crucial.

ASSA retrofits other manufacturers' cylinders, including the popular locksets and door hardware used in most detention centers.

Keys, Locks & Repair Craftmaster focuses on the multidimensional needs of detention facilities, by offering detention hardware keys and more.

The company supports key control officers, locksmiths, operations and maintenance personnel, and wardens. It utilizes its 30 years of experience to help facilities find the right physical security solutions.

The company stocks thousands of locks and parts to help get facilities up and running quickly.

It offers services that include key cutting, pinning of cylinders, and fast turnaround lock repair.

Craftmaster carries Master and American Padlocks, which are used in areas like kitchens and workshops to secure items that could be used as weapons. Its padlocks are key retaining, which prevents them from being used as weapons. The company also offers key blanks of any type from paracentric to mogul offered by companies like Schlage Primus, Best, Corbin Russwin and others.

Craftmaster sells Southern

The Tamper-Proof Key Ring starter kit by KSI comes with up to 30 rings.

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

Folger mogul cylinders and stocks o-bitted and pinned cylinders from Southern Folger, which can be used if a facility's key system is compromised.

The company also provides a range of products beyond locks and keys. It markets electronic boxes like KEYper Systems and others that provide audit reports and alerts.

Additionally, the company offers multi-color key ring systems from Morse Watchmans, which are serial numbered and permanently clamped shut. It stocks Key Systems' rings as well as Lucky Line brass tags, rings and belt clips. These rings keep keys secured to officers' belts and organized in key control systems.

Craftmaster stocks key shields which prevent inmates from studying cuts on keys for fabrication and duplication. Dan Donohue, director of sales at Craftmaster, says, "We had one customer who told us that a key was cut from a lunch tray by studying the key on the officer's belt used to open his cell."

Some of Craftmaster's newer offerings cater to behavioral health hardware and include items like stainless steel mirrors, towel hangers, and anti-ligature door hardware to prevent self-harm.

"Incorrect lock choices, deferred maintenance, lack of key control, and prisoner damage to locks and door hardware create weaknesses in your facility's physical security," emphasizes Donohue.

Southern Steel Company mogul cylinder available from Craftmaster.

attempts and limit nuisance alarms. The company's system provides immediate intrusion detection and is accurate within a few feet. Senstar supports the integration of all major video and security management systems; this enables perimeter alarms to be integrated with other security devices and processes, creating a multi-layer physical security solution.

The Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform provides a “single pane of glass” user interface where operators can view cameras while managing perimeter alarms and access control devices all on one screen.

The Symphony is modular and easily integrated with access con-

trol, security systems, and video management. Brad Martin, director of product management, says, "Where multiple layers of security are needed, Senstar products can work together for complete facility-level solutions." Symphony supports industry-standard readers and controllers and displays access control events alongside perimeter alarms and video feed.

The system supports a comprehensive rules engine that automates actions and provides onscreen controls for manual control over doors, cameras, and other security equipment.

The company's FlexZone Locating Fence-Mounted Intrusion Detection Sensor detects and locates any attempt to cut, climb or otherwise break through the fence. It is available in both a regular and an armored version.

Its Sensor Fusion Engine also helps defeat nuisance alarms once and for all.

"Senstar invests heavily in R&D while leveraging its 40 years of experience and large customer base to design innovative solutions that address the needs of correctional institutions," notes Martin.

There are multiple layers required to keep a facility safe, traditional solutions are needed in some areas and innovative ones in others. The intersection of the two results in unmatched physical security. %

Perimeter Intrusion Fusion While old tech still has its place in physical security, hightech solutions like video, access control, and perimeter intrusion detection systems also play a large role.

Senstar offers a wide range of high-tech perimeter intrusion detection products, including fence-mounted, buried, and microwave sensors. Its products are designed to prevent escape 20 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

Senstar’s Sensor Fusion Engine uses low-level data to maintain the highest probability of detection.

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

24 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

UNIQUE & INNOVATIVE CORRECTIONS TECH

Publisher’s The Willo Wedge is a locking device that was designed in direct response to the common problem of savvy inmates finding ways to manipulate the existing locks and get out of their cells. Its patented design and features work together to stop this problem from happening, and alerts the officer on the floor if the lock is being tampered with or is not deadlocked. The Wedge replaces the existing lock and door position switch and utilizes the existing door and frame, providing an economical solution for an ever-growing problem.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net

Damascus Gear’s Control Kit with an aluminum stab plate pocket was designed to provide substantial protection from blunt force trauma without sacrificing fit or comfort. The chest, shoulders, and back hard shell panels have a modular flex design allowing for all shapes and sizes to fit comfortably without sacrificing much needed mobility. Comprised of independent items, the suit can be configured for all threat levels in any corrections environment.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net

Buford Satellite Systems is one of the largest providers of correctional satellite and cable television services in the United States. For more than 19 years, it has provided customized programming packages to an extensive number of local, state, and federal correctional facilities; furnishing, installing, and maintaining all the necessary equipment to provide the specific programming options chosen. At Buford Satellite Systems, there are no up-front fees or costs for equipment, installation, or future maintenance and repair services. By paying a monthly cost based on your selected programming choices, a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week access is provided for customer support.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net 26 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

Picks AB Staffing provides correctional organizations with physicians, APRNs, RNs, LPNs, behavioral or dental staff for ICE, U.S. Marshals, federal, state, county and local correctional facilities. With more than 20 years of experience, AB Staffing takes care of travel, lodging, payroll and assists with provider credentialing, privileging and licensing.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net

Cold Fire® is an environmentally friendly fire extinguishing agent that puts out a fire faster and safer with less water, less property damage, and less risk to firefighters. Cold Fire cools 21 times faster than water and works to remove heat and the fuel sources from the fire tetrahedron, preventing re-ignition. Completely “green” and nontoxic, Cold Fire puts out Class A, B, D & K fires, hydrocarbons, or polar solvents, as well as metals, tires, asphalt, and more. It also suppresses vapors and helps to remediate spills. In addition, it is UL Classified, 2N75; it’s available in a backpack alternative kit, vehicle fleet kits, rapid deployment kit, tactical cans and in bulk.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net The need for a digital transformation is ever increasing. State and local governments have tremendous challenges to deploy technology and support services that require a mounting list of applications, multi-platform collaboration, regulatory compliance and cybersecurity—all on a limited budget.

To that end, iT1 helps agencies succeed with advanced technology. Our team is knowledgeable, certified, and up to speed on the latest compliance regulations and contract vehicles. iT1 simplifies the path to digital transformation and delivers value to your constituents for initiatives such as: collaboration across buildings, branches, and mobile workers.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net

Publisher’s VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022 27

Publisher’s Picks Tek84’s Intercept™ is a leader in contraband detection in the corrections industry with more than 600 units deployed.

In addition to state-of-the-art imaging technology, Intercept’s networking capabilities enable the creation of a secure central database that monitors dose management and subject scanning history. Intercept is the only transmission x-ray body scanner made in the USA. For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net

LifeTraq is the leading innovation provider of patent-pending behavioral technology programming for the criminal justice system and community partners. We specialize in programming compliance design and tracking from reentry programming to addiction recovery and beyond. We are HIPAA Compliant.

For more information contact: info@correctionsforum.net

28 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

BY MICHAEL GROHS, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Implementing a Body Worn Camera Program

Pointers on how to begin and manage a BWC program for prisons.

WHEN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY is considering adopting the use of body cameras, the considerations are much different than in other environments. Naturally, planning is essential. The process, says David O’Connor, director, Public Safety Division at i-PRO Americas, Inc., should start with an audit of the facility’s IT and support infrastructure to ensure it has the bandwidth, speed, and protocols in place to support high-volume video traffic. This includes a review of existing Internet access capabilities, local wired and wireless networks, and user authentication safeguards.

30 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

Planners also need to ask themselves how and where they want to deploy the cameras. Will each officer be assigned their own, or will they be shared? How long will each camera’s “shift” last?

Will additional batteries be required?

A primary concern is the matter of where the footage will be processed and stored: on the cloud, on in-house servers, or as a hybrid solution? The storage plan will also require policies and procedures to ensure the integrity and security of video. “In most cases, a verifiable chain of custody is required for all video evi-

dence. Similarly, Freedom of Information Act requests often require redaction of specific identities and information from stored video. How will your department practically address these requirements?”

David Wasserstrom, executive manager of Sentinel Camera Systems, LLC furthers that facilities will need to consider what the video will be used for and how long they intend to keep it.

Will it be for court or to see if an officer needs help? Sentinel offers two camera options: The Prestige II and the Protector II. The Prestige II records but cannot

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

livestream. The Protector II offers both recording and livestreaming capability. With livestreaming, viewers can log in with a password and observe an officer’s views as they happen. Live streaming is a separate channel, and the footage is not saved.

(There is an option to have livestream stored to a server, but the quality of the video tends to be not as good.) Another feature called Cluster Talk allows the control officer to tie in multiple officers to converse. Streaming gives the control officer real-time visibility, so if an officer is involved in an incident and cannot make it back, the control officer can see. The Protector II requires a SIM card that sends video to its own server. If an officer is moving around, a cell phone can be converted to a hotspot and not lose coverage if they are not in a Wi-Fi area.

When it comes to recording, many facilities have different stations for different correctional officers, and everyone does their own storage when they return to their station. Each station has its own computer, each computer is licensed to the camera, and the camera will only download to that computer. That software is limited to that camera for security reasons, and only the person who has the code can access the contents. If the warden wants to see all the footage from all shifts, each user can download the footage to the master storage location (or even email it to the warden) so the warden can view it from a single location rather than move from station to station.

Recording with Software and a Smartphone

Alex Popof, Visual Labs’ chief operating officer, calls his firm “the body camera company that does not make body cameras.”

They are a software company that uses Android phones to record.

The camera is just as good, and as Popof points out, the phone is

In correctional facilities the goal may be to record the activities of corrections personnel and their interaction with inmates over the course of their full shift.

Corrections administrators will need to adjust their video storage strategy accordingly. also a computer connected to the Internet—an all-in-one solution with a personal locator and body camera. The idea of using smart phones in prison might raise eyebrows, but the phones are modified by removing the SIM card, so users in the jail cannot make calls. Once outside the jail, they can download the video.

Once a facility establishes a program, says Popof, most states require a policy and usually request information on what the policy will be, such as when the cameras will be turned on, when they will be turned off, whether they can be requested to be turned off, etc. In Minnesota, for example, the policy had to be made public and open to public discussion. (In Washington County, Minn., where body cameras are used by the sheriff’s office, patrol deputies, and courtrooms, there were two opportunities for public input.) He further points out the importance of making sure users understand what the cameras are for. There may be a concern of Big Brother watching them, but officers often find Big Brother is actually watching out for them. Many have been exonerated by body camera footage, which is stored for periods of time determined by their policies.

(Minnesota and California require all footage be stored for 90 days.) The phone is adapted so recording can begin

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

with the tap of a finger, and the footage has a digital fingerprint and cannot be edited.

All potential Visual Labs users are given a month-long trial at no cost and during which they can determine what settings can change to fit the individual environment. Often agencies use their own camera whose providers frequently offer the phones for free (unconnected with no SIM cards). Any Android phone made within the last five years will work.

O’Connor notes, “There is an overwhelming demand to make the use and management of body-worn cameras easier. For example, the i-PRO BWC4000 features a removable battery with a 12-hour detachable battery that can be swapped quickly in the field with a compact spare. This allows a fresh battery to be deployed for additional run time during long or very active shifts.

A field-swappable battery can also easily replace a battery that may be declining in performance after normal service life without the need to replace the entire bodyworn camera unit.”

He furthers that users need to look for body-worn cameras that deliver the best combination of high-resolution imaging and state-of-the-art video compression to best capture and process large quantities of video.

Extended battery operation for CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022 31

Sentinel’s Prestige II BWC features 32megapixel recording for still recording or burst mode which can capture 30 frames in one second, storage capacity is either 32 or 64G, 140 degree-wide angle lens and continuous recording for up to 13 hours. It does not livestream.

prolonged field deployments is also a must-have to cover long shifts. Other important and desirable features include the ability to quickly (or automatically) tag evidence with metadata to aid in evidence correlation, easy menudriven operation, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to withstand consistent use in harsh conditions and environments. “These are the most critical features users should look for in a body-worn camera solution.”

O’Connor notes that many users consider body-worn cameras an important element of a broader effort to promote transparency between security personnel and the populations they work with. “When utilized in conjunction with supporting policies and procedures, bodyworn cameras provide valuable documentation of events. This is especially important in legal proceedings where footage supports

investigations by providing critical documentation of significant events and what led up to them.”

For law enforcement, the most common objective is to document individual incidents and specific events such as traffic stops. O’Connor points out that in correctional facilities, though, the goal may be to record the activities of corrections personnel and their interaction with inmates over the course of their full shift. Corrections administrators will need to adjust their video storage strategy accordingly. Full-shift recordings will require larger storage capacity, but those recordings are less likely to require prolonged storage.

Initially, the file size of full-shift recordings will be large, but segments of full-shift recordings can be excerpted and classified as ‘significant’ or ‘evidentiary’ in the case of an event. These segments can then be further classified

A BWC program should start with an audit of the facility’s IT and support infrastructure to ensure it has the bandwidth, speed, and protocols in place to support high-volume video traffic. Shown is the i-PRO BWC4000.

based on each incident using metadata and retained according to the facility’s policies. Unused or insignificant footage can be discarded or overwritten according to the facility’s procedures, making the storage space allocation more manageable.

Cloud-based video storage solutions offer numerous advantages and features, but serverbased solutions still play an important role for many departments. Of particular importance is understanding how an organization can disengage from cloud storage and/or SaaS solutions after a significant amount of video data has been accumulated.

“I-PRO understands the challenge of extracting, downloading or migrating large volumes of video data from one storage solution to another,” says O’Connor.

In January 2022, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) Director Annette Chambers-Smith announced that the process to outfit agency prison and parole staff with body-worn cameras had begun. The first phase included staff training and the deployment of approximately 550 body-worn cameras for security supervisors in all of the state’s prisons. “These cameras will supplement our existing stationary camera systems and will help to capture areas we otherwise may not be able to see,” Dir. Chambers-Smith said in a press release. “This is ultimately about safety, transparency and accountability for everyone who works or lives in our prisons.”

The plan includes the deployment of an additional 4,550 cameras that will be assigned to specifically-identified prison posts and individual parole officers in the Adult Parole Authority. The goal is to complete the rollout throughout the first half of 2022.

The systems, including equipment and storage, will be funded through a combination of federal CARES Act money, grant funding

Sentinel’s Protector II Body-Worn Camera, with 4G LTE technology, has the capability of direct transmission of live video, audio and GPS location in real time; it provides up to 64GB of memory, 36-megapixel recording, and a 140-degree wideangle lens.

from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and DRC’s operating budget. The systems are expected to cost about $6.9 million the first year and approximately $3.2 million to $3.3 million the following four years.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) also began implementing the use of fixed and body-worn camera technology in January 2021. While the implementation was originally the result of a court order, according to the agency’s press release, “CDCR fully embraces the use of bodyworn cameras for increased security, transparency and accountability.” They furthered that the purpose of body-worn cameras “is to promote safety, enhance security, assist staff in conducting use-of-force reviews, enhance the detection of criminal activity and reduce incidents and allegations of excessive or unnecessary force.” The intent is that the use

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET

of body-worn cameras will increase accountability and add a powerful tool to address misconduct from staff and incarcerated individuals. Fixed and body-worn cameras are also an effective component of CDCR’s multi-layered approach in contraband interdiction.

Body-cameras provide an unalterable audio and visual record of interactions between staff and the inmates they come into contact with during the course of their duties and allows for the review of incidents. The interactions recorded are in housing units and dayrooms, programming and culinary spaces, visiting areas, recreational yards, and other areas.

The footage is downloaded and retained into a data server at the end of every shift where it is retained for a minimum of 90 days. Footage of specific events is retained for a longer period of time as potential evidence in an investigation or an administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding.

These events include any use-offorce incident, riots, suspected criminal activity, any incident resulting in injury or death, allegations of inmate misconduct or staff misconduct by an incarcerated person, employee, visitor or other person, etc. With the exception of specific and identified circumstances, the body-worn camera is to remain activated throughout an officer or sergeant’s entire shift, though there are specific circumstances for when staff deactivate their cameras such as during a restroom break and other sensitive moments that could jeopardize someone’s privacy or rights.

Before doing so, officers are to make an audible statement providing the reason for deactivating the camera. And harking back to the Big Brother concerns, bodyworn camera footage is not to be reviewed solely for the purpose of general performance review, and recorded footage shall not be used to monitor staff arrivals and/or departures from the job site. % CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022 33

AD INDEX Page No.

COMPLETE EYEGLASSES The Benchmade® 7 Rescue Hook comes with a LifeSharp guarantee and cuts quickly and reliably in an emergency situation. The large hook design works well with gloved hands.

$14.95

Systems Corp. ........19 Bob Barker............22,35 Centurion ....................2

RX Eyeglasses On-Site Optometry On-Site Ophthalmology Testing

Eye Care..................34 Keefe Group ..............36

1-800-334-9880

Keytrak, Inc................17 Institutional Eye Care LLC website: institutionaleyecare.com email: info@ institutionaleyecare.com

(858) 676-5382 sales@tek84.com www.tek84.com

Foam, Inc................12

Institutional

www.bobbarker.com

is a pioneer in detection technologies used to find contraband, including drugs, weapons, cell phones and other smuggled items. Our patented Intercept™ proudly serves the corrections industry and is the only body scanner made in the USA. Tek84 has sold over 600 systems that are deployed worldwide, including 40 states and multiple federal government and international government agencies.

Chestnut Ridge

Guardian RFID ...........21

1000 Facilities Nationwide 44 States - Federal in all 50 States Correctional Vision Care Since 1983

Tek84 Inc.

Black Creek Integrated

LED Pen Flashlight by Coast® is designed for Corrections to simplify everyday work. With its narrow profile and steel pocket clip, it’s easy to hold, carry and aim.

Medi-Dose Company ......5, 10, 29 RemoteCOM..............28 StunCuff Enterprises, Inc.........5 The Bus Center ..........10 TrinityServices Group, Inc. .............11 Union Supply Group ...9 Vistar Corporate ..........6 Western Union ..........13 Wexford Health

1-800-334-9880 www.bobbarker.com

Sources ...................25 Willo Products ...........15 This advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers only. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions.

34 CORRECTIONS FORUM • SPRING 2022

VISIT US AT WWW.CORRECTIONSFORUM.NET