Criminal Justice Technology in the News

Law Enforcement News

Sheriff's Office Enhances Digital Forensics
Troy Daily News, (03/28/2018), Cody Willoughby
A detective from the Miami County Sheriff's Office in Ohio was among two dozen law enforcement officers nationwide selected to attend a four-week digital forensics training course at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Ala. The course included training on computer and cellphone forensics, and will allow participants to perform digital forensics themselves, rather than using outside help.
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Fremont County Offers New 911 Text Service
KIFI/KIDK, (03/28/2018)
Fremont County, Idaho, has launched a text-to-911 emergency service. People can send a short text message to 911 for help when unable to make a 911 voice call, such as when the caller is hearing or voice impaired, a medical emergency renders the person incapable of speech, or in situations where speaking out loud could put the caller in danger,
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Maryland Bill Would Put an Armed Officer in Every School
The Washington Post, (03/30/2018), Zach Shapiro for Associated Press
A bill being considered by the Maryland state legislature would put an armed school resource officer (SRO) in every public school. The bill is part of a four-bill package. Advocates label it the "deterrence" stage of the package, which also includes prevention, anticipation and protection stages. It is estimated that between 360 and 400 of the state's 1,400 public schools currently have an SRO.
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AAA: Distracted Driving Now Biggest Danger on Roads
Ctpost, (03/30/2018), Jim Shay
Distracted driving has surpassed other behaviors as the biggest danger on the roads, according to a new AAA study. The organization's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index found distracted driving surpasses aggressive, drunk, drugged and buzzed driving. The index measures attitudes and behaviors of people related to traffic safety. Forty-nine percent of those surveyed said they've talked on handheld cellphones while driving, and 35 percent admit they've sent a text or email.
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Evolving Technology Enhances Safety, Reach of Law Enforcement
The Exponent Telegram, (03/30/2018), Darlene J. Swiger
The Harrison County Sheriff's Department in West Virginia has initiated an Information Sharing Hub. A data specialist and analyst examine data from various sources and compile it for patterns of crimes or drug overdoses. It is an example of how law enforcement agencies in the state are using advanced technology to enhance law enforcement operations.
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New Idaho Law Now in Effect Means Those Who Threaten Schools Can Be Charged With a Felony
Magicvalley.com, (04/03/2018), Julie Wootton-Greener
Under a new updated Idaho law, it is a misdemeanor to make a threat that disrupts school activities, and a felony if a person who makes a threat has a firearm or other deadly weapons. State law used to prevent prosecutors from bringing charges against someone who threatened a school while off-campus or electronically, such as through social media. The statute hadn't been updated in more than 10 years.
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Wounded St. Tammany Deputy Justin Nail Remains in ICU But Full Recovery Expected
The New Orleans Advocate, (04/02/2018), Nick Reimann
A deputy in St. Tammany's Parish, La., is recovering following surgery for a wound sustained in a shootout with a suspect on Easter morning. The shot that wounded Justin Nail struck him below his ballistic-resistant vest; however, the vest stopped another bullet, lessening the extent of his injuries.
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Corrections News

Prison Inmates' Access to Tablet Computers to Be Expanded
Delaware State News, (03/30/2018), Ian Gronau
Delaware's Department of Correction is developing a plan to eventually provide Wi-Fi-enabled tablet computers to more inmates. As part of a limited trial, inmates at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution have had access to tablets in the prison law library since October 2016. The department is wiring the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center for Wi-Fi as part of the plan to expand tablet access.
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N.H. Governor Vetoes Bill Reforming Sentences for Parole Violators
Concord Monitor, (04/03/2018), Ethan DeWitt
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has vetoed a bill to loosen sentencing for parole violators. The legislation was written to allow the state parole board flexibility for parole violators who need substance abuse treatment. Under state law, parolees automatically are subject to a 90-day recommittal period if they violate, and the state parole board can reduce that amount only under select conditions. The proposed bill would have allowed the 90 days to be shortened if the parolee entered into a residential substance abuse program. Parole officers opposed the bill, saying it would undermine the power that the threat of recommitment has over parolees.
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Florida's New Criminal Justice Data Effort a Prelude to Sentencing, Corrections Reform
Watchdog.org, (04/02/2018), John Haughey
Beginning July 1, Florida will require counties to collect extensive criminal justice data and make it available in a publicly accessible database. The data-sharing requirement is "the first step" in gathering evidence to support the creation of a task force to identify ways to reform the state's $2.4 billion courts and correctional system, according to Florida Policy Institute Executive Director Joseph Pennisi. He said the new data collection law will provide accurate, measurable information necessary for a state task force to examine how criminal justice programs could be more effective, efficient and responsive if information was standardized and shared.
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In South Carolina, the Fight Against Prison Contraband Continues on Multiple Fronts
The Post and Courier, (04/01/2018), Michael Majchrowicz and Gregory Yee
This article discusses efforts by South Carolina to stem the flow of contraband into the state's prisons, including raising pay for correctional officers, hiring additional staff and plans to use drone detection technology.
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Parole? No Thanks. Man Turns Down Chance at Freedom for a Better Chance Outside Prison
Atlanta Journal Constitution, (04/02/2018), Rhonda Cook
This story discusses Georgia's transitional centers, also called halfway houses, and chronicles a Georgia prison inmate who turned down a chance at parole so he could have time in a transitional center to better prepare for release into the community. Among inmates released directly from prison, one in three will return; for inmates that go through a transitional center, only one in five wind up back behind bars, according to the Department of Corrections.
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Nation's Largest Nonfederal Correctional System Installs Aspirating Smoke Detection in Another Facility
Corrections.com, (04/02/2018), Ryan Sandler
Kern Valley State Prison in California has implemented aspirating smoke detection technology for fire protection. The system draws in air through small flexible tubing secured in air ducts. The air is analyzed continuously for the presence of minute smoke particles in a remote area up to 300 feet away that is inaccessible to inmates.
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With More Women Inmates, This New York Prison Allows Them to Keep Their Babies
Public Radio International, (04/02/2018)
This article discusses the rise in incarceration of women in various parts of the United States and the world, as well as policies covering whether babies and young children can stay with their imprisoned mothers.
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As Opioids Land More Women in Prison, Ohio Finds Alternative Treatments
PRI, (04/02/2018), Allison Herrera
This article reports on a comprehensive treatment program offered to women serving time at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. The Tapestry program provides help to keep inmates drug free and sober, to increase chances of success outside of prison.
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