NCJ Number
205196
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 14,16,20
Date Published
April 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes some of the features of computer software that facilitate tracking each jail inmate's status, conditions, and the performance of jail services for that inmate.
Abstract
In order to meet State and Federal requirements for correctional facilities, avoid litigation, and establish a record that shows facilities are complying with inmates' civil rights, jail-management computer software is required to help jails monitor inmate conditions, needs, and services. Each inmate's legal status, medical needs and requirements, security classification, and any special needs and conditions must be recorded at intake. Subsequently, each inmate's record must show what services were given the inmate on each day, along with significant inmate actions and conditions. Such software is designed to ensure that the jails consistently and routinely meet the required standards for inmate security, health, and safety. It is important that the jail-management software be integrated with other criminal justice computerized information systems to ensure that all information needed for the effective management of the inmate is contained in his/her jail record. Before evaluating and purchasing jail-management software, it is important for correctional facilities to assess their needs, including the nature of standards for jail operations, requirements for obtaining and maintaining accreditation, tasks to be performed, and the inadequacies of the current system. The software selected must meet all the requirements identified. Key features of any software system must be its security provisions and the ability of the software to present data that allows the agency to use it as a practical management tool. It is essential that the data be displayed graphically to permit historical reviews and the gauging of trends.