|
|
| NTPAC focuses on PREA |
| By Sarah Etter, News Reporter |
| Published: 10/09/2006 |
Every year, the Northeast Technology and Product Assessment Committee brings together officials and administrators from 13 different states and numerous organizations to evaluate the latest and greatest in corrections technology.Initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections and spearheaded by NTPAC Chairman Alex Fox, the conference has long been hailed as a Northeast corrections must-see. The committee was created by a number of partnerships, including the Northeast Association of Correctional Administrators, the National Institute of Justice and the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center-Northeast , NTPAC provides a glimpse into the newest corrections technology. Last Thursday and Friday, NTPAC focused on the needs of corrections practitioners with technologies that exclusively addressed the Prison Rape Elimination Act . PREA is federal legislation that requires all states to prevent, reduce and punish all incidents of prison rape, and keep detailed data about such occurrences.  “This was a really interesting, excellent conference,” said attendee Paul J. Biermann, an engineer for Johns Hopkins Technical Services Department. “Obviously, we've all read about PREA, but it was really great to see such good technologies addressing the issue.” During a two-day conference, NTPAC facilitated roundtable discussions about PREA compliance, and gave those in a field that is still adjusting to the legislature a chance to see new technology and applications. Vendors were able to present their ideas to big names in the industry as officials considered the possibilities the ever-evolving corrections market has to offer. “We are seeing many other industries come to corrections as a new market,” says MADOC Superintendent Robert Murphy. “We are watching many innovative technologies expand and change to fit the dynamic of corrections, which is interesting.” PREA goes high tech Two presentations focused on GPS-based tracking systems, which claimed to increase officer accountability and inmate locations at all times. TSI Prism offered wireless real-time tracking in the form of black wrist and ankle bands, along with personal safety devices for officers. Each device contains a GPS transmitter, which sends signals to network antennas. Once received, the signals are routed to a computer. The data is then viewed by a CO or official, and the locations generated can be used to separate known gang members and sexual predators within DOC walls. Meanwhile, devices that provide officer tracking can provide excellent evidence of staff whereabouts if they are accused of unsavory conduct. Similarly, ElmoTech, Ltd.showcased their TRaCE system, a portable monitoring GPS-system that is sold in parts. TRaCE also uses black arm and ankle bands for offenders. It can be equipped with voice recognition and alcohol detection technology for those on house arrest, and officers have the option of carrying a walky-talky device on their belt. ElmoTech also provides landline or cellular/RF monitoring units. 
Some officials expressed concern about these systems straining their budgets. Both technologies can cost about $1 million per facility, and the price could increase depending on each wing's size and structure.“These are excellent technologies, but they are cost prohibitive,” says Murphy. “If these technologies are picked up and adjusted to fit corrections, it will be much more feasible. But I like the direction they are going in.” Biermann agrees. “There is a lot of potential for these technologies in the future,” he says. “The two things that need to be focused on are a simple user interface and cost. If those can be addressed, they will have nothing but success.” Homegrown solutions Some simpler technologies were found in DOC-based projects, such as Pennsylvania's use of the WebTAS system. PADOC Executive Deputy Secretary Dr. John Shaffer and Acting Chief of Data Analysis Robert Flaherty, presented the product, which uses government-provided software to cultivate PREA data. WebTAS is provided at no cost, so DOCs are only responsible for training their employees to use the product. 
In Pennsylvania, each facility appoints one person to enter data into WebTAS. Assaults, incidents and sexual encounters are all tracked, which allows data analysts, like Flaherty, to watch for state-wide trends, and to better plan how to curtail these occurrences. WebTAS even links offenders through gang relations, sex offenses and filed grievances.Ohio Department of Youth Services Special Assistant Mary Clay shared her plan to cover all the PREA bases for juvenile facilities. Through inner department vulnerability assessments, ODYS officials can ensure proper behavior for both staff and juveniles. Clay says Ohio started to focus on PREA by removing the term “consensual sex” from the juvenile dictionary. “There is no such thing as consensual sex for young offenders,” Clay says. “Case closed.” Once Clay created her PREA committee, she had DOC employees check different facilities for suspicious behavior. She says, closed and locked doors and dimly lit areas should be check since they can hide sexual behavior. Clay adds that rigorous key assessments can make a big difference in facilities because they eliminate the number of areas that can be used for sexual encounters. By using employees to conduct tests on different facilities, the ODYS is improving operations and accountability among staff and young offenders. TimeKeeping Systems, Inc.'s Guard One Plus was another innovative technology that might be useful to address PREA initiatives. Officers use a waterproof, flashlight-size object known as the Pipe to make rounds and do security checks. A silver chip inside each Pipe tracks an officer's movement when he/she reaches a destination and presses the Pipe into a mounted key hole. Records of each officer check-in are documented in Microsoft Word and can then be printed or emailed. Each technology and concept focused on reducing and preventing prison rape, and addressed the unique needs of the corrections arena. While NTPAC let vendors give practitioners an inside look at their products, it also provided a successful venue where corrections officials could provide product feedback and share information with each other. Note: If you haven't attended NTPAC yet, make sure to clear your calendar in February when Alex Fox presents the next round of corrections technology. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think