NCJ Number
206775
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 66 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2004 Pages: 66-67,70
Date Published
July 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidance for the selection of new technologies for correctional environments.
Abstract
The selection of a new technology for use in corrections requires deliberation, research, and planning. Although a superficial appraisal of a technology may promise benefits, in practice it may result in high maintenance costs, labor conflicts, inmate climate issues, political concerns, health and safety issues, and lawsuits. The financial cost of technology should not always be the deciding factor. Operational and public safety benefits can outweigh the initial cost of the technology. Thorough evaluations of the cost-benefit ramifications of a technology or technologies that tout similar benefits requires collaboration and partnership. Most States have adopted a formal process of committee evaluation of products. These committees assume the leadership in the identification, assessment, introduction, explanation, and acceptance of technology. Committee representatives usually consist of multidisciplinary practitioners. Issues typically addressed by technology review committees are the need for the product, the operational problem the technology can correct, enhancement of inmate safety, enhancement of staff and public safety, compatibility with other systems currently being used or being planned, ease of use, improvement in staff efficiency, maintenance costs and upgrade feasibility, and improvement in staff and/or inmate accountability. Technology review committees also develop liaisons with similar committees in other States to determine whether they have considered the technology or already deployed it.