Which is Better to Have in My Facility: Cameras or an RFID Tracking System?

Jeff Kovar, Strategic Account Executive, has visited over a hundred jails and prisons throughout his career. During this time, a recurring theme emerges during discussions about tracking products: many facilities rely on their camera systems and traditional pen-and-paper methods to document officer rounds. As one operator put it, "Since we record our officer rounds with our camera system, we don’t need an RFID system." But is this statement true?

In this blog, we’ll cover the distinctions and advantages of RFID technology compared to traditional camera systems, shedding light on how RFID can elevate your facility's operational efficiency and legal preparedness.

Camera Technology

Let’s cut to the chase: camera technology is essential for every prison and jail. Simply put, cameras are the eyes of the facility when staff are preoccupied. Cameras play a critical role in identifying suspects involved in assaults, homicides, and contraband trafficking, while also monitoring all movement and activities within the facility. In this way, camera technology not only enhances security but also plays a vital role in upholding accountability and transparency within correctional environments.

Typically, facilities are equipped with a control room featuring multiple video screens overseen by one or two officers who ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Most prisons and jails retain video recordings for a limited period, usually between 15 to 30 days. This short retention window allows investigators to review footage after an incident occurs. For instance, if an inmate dies in custody, investigators can quickly access the relevant video footage leading up to the event to determine if foul play was involved.

The Downfall of Relying on JUST Camera Technology

Many facilities still depend on camera technology combined with pen and paper to document officer rounds. While this method was once standard, advancements in technology and the operational needs of prisons and jails have far outpaced it. The primary issue with relying solely on camera systems is that they create a false sense of security regarding protection from lawsuits. In reality, many facilities use cameras reactively—reviewing footage only after an incident occurs—rather than proactively preventing incidents from happening in the first place.

When an incident takes place, such as an inmate's death, investigators may look back at video footage to determine the events leading up to the situation. However, if there’s evidence of staff neglect or non-compliance with officer rounds, those recordings can be used against the facility in litigation. While having the ability to review past incidents is important, it doesn’t effectively monitor every officer round or prevent future occurrences. And prevention is crucial for reducing risk.

The defensibility of video systems is further compromised by the statute of limitations for civil rights lawsuits. Attorneys often file claims just before these deadlines, knowing that two-year-old footage and paperwork can complicate a case. This tactic can lead to quicker settlements, sometimes with significantly larger payouts if they can argue that critical documentation was improperly handled.

So, is there a solution?

To put it simply, yes, monitoring all officer rounds and improving the documentation process. You might wonder if it’s feasible to monitor all officer rounds. Technically, a team could compare paper logs to video footage, logging discrepancies along the way. But this process would require countless hours and is prone to human error. Considering the number of housing units and cameras in a facility, multiplied by the frequency of required rounds, it quickly becomes clear that effective daily monitoring with current camera technology is nearly impossible.

The Role of RFID Systems

Constant monitoring may seem unreasonable or unrealistic, especially if your facility is small or has few incidents. However, in-custody deaths can happen in facilities of all sizes, from those with a single cell to those with over 10,000. Monitoring every round daily is crucial to ensure compliance with agency policy. By doing so, you can identify potential issues before a major incident occurs, allowing for timely corrective actions.

RFID tracking systems provide a reliable way to document officer presence. RFID tags can be strategically placed throughout the housing unit. To record a round, officers simply bring a handheld device within an inch of the tag, which then timestamps the completion of the round and stores this information in the facility's database. One of the main advantages of an RFID system is its ability to generate audit reports in seconds, providing insights into officer compliance. When researching RFID systems, consider not just their functionality but also the quality of the audit reports and seek customer references for honest feedback.

GUARDIAN RFID is the best tool in the toolbox to manage a jail.

Chris Villines

Executive Director with the Association of Arkansas Counties

Cameras vs. RFID Technology

Cameras and RFID technology serve complementary yet distinct purposes in correctional facilities. While cameras are crucial for investigating incidents after they occur, RFID technology proactively mitigates risks by ensuring compliance with officer rounds. Both systems are essential and can work together to enhance overall facility safety and accountability.

We hope this information helps you identify risk points and encourages a proactive approach to improving your agency’s round compliance. For further insights on the limitations of using pen and paper for documenting officer rounds, check out our blogs on legal defensibility and why jails should switch to mobile inmate tracking.