IoT in Prisons: Key Benefits

IoT has got various advantages in bringing a massive transformation in prisons, such as a system for identifying and notifying authorities of prison break-ins can be set up. At the same time, it also allows the staff to perform operations in a more systematic and precise manner.

FREMONT, CA: Prisons are often associated with ancient buildings made of iron, steel, and concrete with primitive infrastructures. Digital and transformational technology play a significant role in how prisons operate, as well as how inmates engage with their prison environments and outside worlds.

 Every industry is experiencing a digital transformation - and the justice and prison sector is no exception. The Digital revolution is changing the way justice is delivered, sentences are served, and prisons are run. There are many critical considerations for the digitalization of correctional facilities, a topic that goes well beyond 'going paperless.'

 The Internet of Things(IoT) is transforming prisons into smart buildings:  Using smart building technology, building owners can control everything from security to energy consumption. Cloud-based software, hardware, and sensor networks enable prison devices to be connected, remotely monitored, and managed via IoT. Through the use of IoT technology, prison processes are optimized, making them more cost-effective and ultimately reducing error margins.

Smart technology in prisons: In prisons, IoT provides insights and resources that were previously unavailable. The most obvious advantage of this unprecedented data is improved safety and security for prisoners and staff, but IoT can also offer other benefits.

 As with all other sectors, smart technology is evolving and even replacing outdated prison practices. The System enables staff and their organizations to perform operational tasks more efficiently, effectively, and quickly than before, reducing time away from key tasks and thus maximizing staff productivity.

Tracking assets:  Assets in prisons must be monitored to ensure they don't get misappropriated or go missing, as in any facility with a lot of equipment. In prison estates, IoT technology, often in the form of tags, sensors, and readers, provides accurate inventory management and control. In real-time, it helps prison staff and managers locate items and people.

Inmate identification: The use of RFID tags and sensors is a fast, cost-effective, and brilliant way to track inmates and staff. Enhanced security systems and overall safety can be achieved by using them to alert prison staff if a large concentration of inmates gathers in a particular area.

 RFID technology can be used to monitor inmates suspected of carrying contraband, as well as unusual flag activity that may indicate a problem. As well as raising alerts to the presence of people in restricted areas, it can also be used to alert rival inmates when they become too close to each other. 

 Using RFID wristbands, staff can keep track of inmates' prison histories, locations, dates, and timings. Tracking systems will automate headcounts with rapid speed and precision in real-time, eliminating the need for handwritten records.

Solutions for cell checking: A RFID solution also automates security or cell checks in seconds and provides rapid proof of presence. Additionally, they enable prison guards to record observations on any inmate immediately and collect details of cell searches.

Reports in real-time: By giving prison management a single view of their building's systems, IoT insights allow them to make critical decisions quickly rather than reactively. With asset tracking, prison staff can make informed decisions and strengthen compliance, accountability, and internal governance by accessing real-time reports 24/7/365.