Top 2 Misconceptions About Using Mobile Scanners (and Why They’re Wrong)
“Does carrying a mobile scanner pose safety risks to correctional officers?”
“Are they too distracting?”
“I don’t want my officers staring at a screen during their shift, I want them looking at inmates.”
“It’s harder to document data than alternatives.”
These are all typical questions and concerns asked by jail command staff when looking into mobile guard tour systems or inmate tracking platforms. But, are they valid?
Two of the biggest concerns regarding mobile inmate technology are that they’re either a safety risk or the overall method is too difficult to capture data, which are both false. In this blog, we’ll address these two misconceptions about the use of mobile devices in corrections, and why they are incorrect.
“Mobile Scanners Pose More Safety Risks”
One question surrounding mobile scanners is, “Won’t carrying around another device 24/7 cause more harm than good?” And this is a fair question to ask. Initial thoughts might be that carrying a device gives officers one less hand to defend themselves with or that they may be glued to the device versus watching inmates and their environment. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The concern that command staff with a mobile device aren’t able to easily defend themselves in an altercation is quite frankly the opposite. GUARDIAN RFID’s SPARTAN device, specifically, has specific features that enhance defensibilities:
Portability: When not being used for documentation or logging, officers have their SPARTAN holstered one way or another. The size combined with it’s handstrap help improve the portability factor of these devices. This assists in officers remaining vigilant and prepared.
Hand strap: The back of every SPARTAN features a hand strap enabling officers to use an open-hand strike when necessary, ensuring they can quickly and effectively defend themselves.
Corrections-grade durability: A SPARTAN is an ultra-rugged Android device that is drop-proof up to 10 feet. This durability allows officers to drop the device when needed while ensuring longevity when accidental drops happen (even from the second tier!).
Now that we’ve covered why carrying a SPARTAN doesn’t equate to limited defensibility, let’s dive into the distraction concerns. This mobile device is strictly for documentation and logging purposes, and is not to be used for scrolling on Tinder or watching Netflix. While a SPARTAN mimics a mobile device and some of its functions, it also differs in preventing misuse of the device. Some of the features that are similar to a mobile device include using a camera, talk-to-text, and even Google Translate. However, these are all to enhance documentation while improving communication between officers and inmates.
While it might seem like micromanaging to set clear boundaries on what staff can and can't do, this approach helps minimize unnecessary distractions. Without access to social media, texting, or streaming services, officers can focus on what truly matters: the safety and security of the facility and those in it. This helps to alleviate concerns about mobile devices becoming a distraction and increasing safety risks for corrections staff.
“It’s Harder to Capture Data”
It’s pretty common to hear, “Why fix something if it’s not broken?”, especially when it comes to introducing technological tools to correctional officers. Staff may think it’s too difficult to adjust to, so let’s cover some of the reasons why adopting technology in a correctional facility can enhance this process in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and thoroughness.
“Well, with pen and paper, we can write whatever we need to, but with these devices, there are only times documented and limited comments to add.” This is a false statement. With other documentation methods, such as guard tour systems, there are many things lacking. Whether it’s talk-to-text, WordBlocks, a camera, or simply typing, officers can add as much detail and evidence as needed with the SPARTAN that they’re unable to do with other documentation methods.
The SPARTAN improves officer safety by enabling your staff to collect data more easily, encouraging them to increase detail in each observation. This is accomplished by leveraging the following SPARTAN features:
WordBlocks: WordBlocks are canned, predetermined words or phrases that officers can easily select during cell checks and activity logging. Selecting WordBlocks takes a matter of seconds. Because it’s quick and easy, officers will often select and log more observations than if they were to use a paper log or type on a computer.
Talk-to-Text: When officers need to log a more complex, detailed note, staff can easily click the microphone icon and use the Talk-to-Text feature. This enables staff to document a highly-detailed observation or situation within seconds, which is otherwise unlikely to occur when using a manual-based approach.
Photo and Video Capture: The ability to capture sight and sound provides compelling, unequivocal evidence of inmate non-compliance or hostile behavior. It also allows for physical documentation of an inmate receiving their meals, supply passes, med passes, are more..
At Kerr Co. Jail in Kerrville, Texas, Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer requires his staff to use SPARTAN to frequently capture video of inmates using their SPARTANs. The first-person vantage point helps overcome blind spots many fixed cameras cannot overcome, which are often unable to provide adequate visibility deep into inmate cells. Fort Bend Co. Jail in Richmond, Texas also captures a substantial amount of video with SPARTAN for many of the same reasons as Kerr Co. Jail. Both agencies leverage video capturing capabilities due to the State of Texas’ newly signed Sandra Bland Act, which requires electronic monitoring of inmates at regular intervals.
Each video clip provides sight and sound, serving as a visual and audible record to demonstrate compliance and validate interactions between inmates and staff members. This digital photo or video evidence eliminates one staff’s or inmate’s word against the other. In fact, digital evidence provides an unbiased, neutral party that protects against frivolous allegations or improprieties from either party. Using video or photographic evidence gathering by SPARTAN is one way to maximize safety and security.
Mobile devices for corrections professionals offer powerful features that enhance portability, and accessibility, and documentation capabilities. These tools provide officers the advantage of seeing and hearing inmate actions that may have otherwise been missed if they’re routinely working behind a desk or returning to a control room frequently throughout their shift. Mobile scanners, like the SPARTAN, have drastically improved the way officers and staff can capture and document daily responsibilities.
The misconceptions that they are a safety risk or limit data documentation capabilities are far from the truth; their features further advocate for the built-in tools to help capture data faster and more accurately. Mobile devices are an important step in digitally transforming any facility to maximize compliance and defensibility. By equipping front-line officers with tools to capture a wide range of interactions and activities, facilities can better maintain order, realize workflow consistency, and measure inmate and staff accountability in ways not previously possible. Adopting these tools is critical in ensuring the safety and security of both corrections staff and the inmate population.