TSI PRISM, developed and marketed by Alanco Technologies, Inc., is a computer supervised system of wrist mounted RFID transmitting units worn by inmates and belt mounted units worn by staff.  Each transmitter sends a unique radio signal every two seconds to an array of receiving antennas placed throughout the prison.  The supervising computer system utilizes this data to determine the identity and precise location, on a continuous real-time basis, of everyone in the prison.  This capability provides unparalleled staff safety and produces efficiencies which reduce prison operating costs.  The system also detects any effort to tamper with or remove the transmitters. 

Every two-second transmission is captured and recorded in a database which correctional staff can use at any time to determine, not only, where a particular individual was but also the identity and location of everyone in close proximity to that individual.  This capability is extremely useful in post incident investigations as investigators no longer need to rely on statements from unreliable or unwilling witnesses.  Shorter investigations resulting in offenders being held accountable quickly produces changes in overall inmate behavior.

The TSI PRISM system has been operational in California since 2000, and Michigan since 2001 with an Illinois site expected to go on-line in October.  In over two years of 'in prison' operation, TSI PRISM has produced a significant reduction in inmate violence. Industry experts have concluded that the reduction in violence results from the fact that inmates know they are being continuously monitored. Based on TSI PRISM's demonstrated capacity to reduce violence, and requests from prison administrators dealing with sexual abuse claims in female facilities, Alanco is engaged in a widespread campaign to promote TSI PRISM as a component of a comprehensive program aimed at reducing prison rape. The recently enacted Prison Rape Elimination Act has provided an opportunity for prison administrators to acquire the safety and efficiencies provided by TSI PRISM with matching Federal grant funds while simultaneously providing the capability to sharply reduce the incidence of prison rape and sexual abuse.