Criminal Justice Technology in the News

Law Enforcement News

WNY Police to Treat Overdoses as a Crime Scene
WKBW, (02/06/2019), Hannah Buehler
Police departments in Western New York will now treat the area around an overdose incident as a crime scene. Also under the new protocol, officers will input information into an overdose database that will track all incidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Police will also try to collect evidence that could help them locate drug dealers.
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Increased Police Training, New Radios to Boost Safety
Salem News, (02/11/2019)
With no specific training mandated by the state of Ohio for 2019, the Salem Police Department has opted to have its officers do daily online training through Lexipol, the company that also provides the department's constantly updated online policy manual. Each day, officers receive a scenario dealing with an issue that they might face during a shift, then take a test on the materials.
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New Gas Masks to Protect Olean Police From Meth Lab Fumes
Olean Times Herald, (02/11/2019), Tom Dinki
The police department in Olean, N.Y., recently received new respirators that will allow officers to execute warrants on suspected meth labs. Grant fund money allowed the department to purchase the masks, which are specifically designed to filter out fumes found in meth labs. Previously, the department had to call on the state police for assistance with suspected meth lab warrants.
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Corrections News

Council Hearing Cites Inherent Bias of Marijuana Testing for Parolees
Philadelphia Tribune, (02/05/2019), John N. Mitchell
A recent hearing before a subcommittee of the Philadelphia City Council examined whether the city should continue to test individuals on parole or probation for THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Testimony focused on discrepancies and bias along lines of race and class, indicating serious issues surrounding positive test results for poor people and people of color.
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Inmate Health Costs Drive Up Prison Budget
News4Jax, (02/04/2019), Ana Ceballo for the New Service of Florida
Florida's governor has proposed a $120 million increase in costs for correctional health care spending in next year's budget. The state must meet court mandates to provide better treatment for inmates with Hepatitis C, mental illnesses and disabilities. An aging prison population is also contributing to rising health care costs.
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Ex-Convict Created an ‘Instagram for Prison' App So Inmates Can Easily Stay in Contact With Their Loved Ones
Good News Network, (02/11/2019), Ryan Morris
Pigeonly, an app created by ex-prisoners, allows users to take pictures with their cellphones and upload it for review by corrections staff. Approved photos are then printed and delivered to their intended recipients. Pigeonly also provides postcard, letter and greeting card-sending services along with an unlimited phone plan for a flat rate of $4.99 per month.
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State's Mental Health Assessments for Prisoners Still Inadequate, Federal Judge Says
WHNT, (02/11/2019)
A ruling made in U.S. District Court has given the Alabama Department of Corrections one week to address a lack of mental health assessments that violates inmates' Eighth Amendment rights. The suit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center and Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program calls conditions in the state's correctional facilities "deplorable," and says that 13 inmates have committed suicide in the past 14 months.
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GPS Ankle Monitors Give Local Cops Stronger Means of Enforcing No-Contact Orders
FlaglerLive.com, (02/06/2019)
The Flagler County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office began using GPS monitoring devices in domestic violence cases in November 2018 in response to one of several recommendations made by the agency's domestic violence task force and the nearby Bunnell and Flagler Beach police departments. The devices use programmed "no-go" zones to keep individuals who wear them away from victims' homes, workplaces and other areas that they frequent. A zone violation sends an alarm to the sheriff's office.
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