How Widespread is a SPARTAN’s Versatility?

When you first hear the term “SPARTAN,” you might think of the mobile device used by correctional officers for inmate tracking. However, the SPARTAN device offers much more than just monitoring inmate movements. It can also serve as an ankle monitoring system and even track animals in shelters, showcasing its diverse applications.

If you’re curious about the value and capabilities of the SPARTAN, you’re in the right place. This blog will delve into how various agencies have harnessed the SPARTAN’s versatility to enhance corrections-related services and expand its reach into markets beyond jails and prisons.

Ankle Monitoring System

David Boruchowitz, Captain of the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, knows firsthand the versatility of GUARDIAN RFID’s device, the SPARTAN. 

Working in Nye County, Nevada, David understands that resources are limited in the community. He and his team wanted to provide inmates with minor offenses the opportunity to serve their time from the confines of their homes while continuing to work and support their families. Inmates granted this privilege wear an RFID wristband around their ankle, allowing officers to monitor them just as they would inside the facility walls. This operational practice is known as the Ankle Monitoring Program.

Nye County began using GUARDIAN RFID products in 2018 and started the Ankle Monitoring Program in 2019 to help reduce overcrowding in the facility. Once the COVID-19 outbreak hit, it also minimized virus exposure. Although there aren’t as many inmates inside the facility, the workload for the staff remains unchanged. Officers are still responsible for tracking inmates on house arrest just as diligently as they track inmates behind cell doors.

While the procedures for tracking inmates outside the facility may differ, the same standards for frequency and duration apply. Verifying off-site inmates is no different than verifying on-site inmates; logging and reporting can be managed in exactly the same way. Maintaining identical standards allows for a very small window for inconsistencies, enhancing facility safety and security.

Nye County’s jail holds roughly 120 inmates and allows 9 to 10 inmates to participate in the Ankle Monitoring Program at a time. This means that they permit 10 percent of their population to serve their time under house arrest. How are inmates selected for this opportunity? It’s entirely up to the judge. 

Most selected inmates have minor offenses, but everyone designated for house arrest instead of incarceration is court-ordered. In fact, there has been a case where a judge sent an inmate to a rehabilitation center with an ankle monitor, allowing Nye County to still verify him/her in their headcount checks within the Ankle Monitoring Program.

We didn’t have any hesitation when implementing this new practice. The handheld devices worked so well in the facility, and we wanted a way for those with minor offenses to still be able to support their families. It was a win-win.

David Boruchowitz

Captain of Nye County Sheriff’s Office

Tracking Chemical Distribution

One of the standout features of Warrior Technology is the ability to customize a personal workflow to address unique challenges.

For instance, one facility identified “chemical control” as a key factor in their accreditation process and wanted their staff to use a single entry point for the accreditation team to access a unified set of reports. To minimize the tracking points of entry within the facility, they developed a custom workflow using their SPARTAN devices to monitor the distribution of chemicals to living units, including the common quantities issued. This approach allowed the accreditation staff to quickly meet audit requirements.

Animal Shelter Tracking

If you love animals, this is the perfect feel-good story for you. An animal shelter is now using GUARDIAN RFID technology to track the activities of its residents—yes, the animals! 

Fortunately, this county has a tight-knit community filled with passionate volunteers dedicated to caring for shelter animals. They use SPARTAN devices to monitor various aspects, such as which animals are registered in the shelter, when they are fed, when they are moved to a new location, what animals they’ve interacted with, any medications they are receiving, and whether a potential adopter has shown interest.

GUARDIAN RFID SPARTAN devices are versatile and customizable; the modules have been adapted to replace “inmates” with “residents,” allowing them to be used for animals instead of humans. The only difference is that you can’t require a signature from an animal.

Working with your GUARDIAN RFID project manager or training team is the best way to learn about these efficiencies, as both teams possess a deep knowledge base and collaborate to creatively solve issues like those discussed here. We hope these examples give you a glimpse of how versatile the SPARTAN can be and how it can meet the needs of any facility.

SPARTANs are an exceptionally versatile tool that extends far beyond just inmate tracking. Its adaptability to different contexts—such as tracking chemical distribution for accreditation purposes and monitoring animal welfare in shelters—highlights its potential to serve many sectors. The flexibility and range of applications offered by SPARTAN pave the way for continued innovation and improved outcomes across various fields.