Technology is becoming a new norm when it comes to working remote and helping individuals succeed. In the community corrections industry, a new technology that is gaining traction are specialized smartphones. The National Institute of Justice published an article about a new study showing how specialized smartphones could keep released individuals on track for successful reentry into society. Released individuals face many barriers post incarceration and adjusting to the world and advancements while behind bars can be challenging. More resources and support need to be available for them to succeed and learn about new norms and technology to compete with others who have not spent time behind bars.
Technology can be a solution to helping individuals feel more at ease when released and trying to catch up with all that has happened while incarcerated. “The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), in a 2019 grant program, is engaging researchers to find new pathways for using smartphones and other mobile devices to help offenders returning to the community.” A total of 250 randomly selected offenders will participate in the study, which will be testing an AI-based Support and Monitoring System (AI-SMS) on offenders who will be issued smartphones and wearable biometric devices. The hope is to collect data and information from individuals to learn how to better support them during their reentry. It will provide information on technical violation of reentry terms, revocations, re-arrest for new crimes, quality of participant interaction with the supervision office, participant goal attainment, and community stability, including stable housing and employment, connection to treatment and support services, and involvement in positive social networks. All of these are factors that greatly impact whether an individual is successful in their reentry and how they reintegrate into society. The NIJ is hoping to empower released offenders to take control of their lives and feel supported while doing so; “One purpose of the reentry smartphone line of research is to empower offenders to take control of their lives by giving them continuous access to the information and resources they require to do so.”
TRACKtech is a whole-person rehabilitative solution that provides specialized smartphones and/or an application for individuals post incarceration. TRACKcase is tailored for supervisors to use and TRACKphone and TRACKphone Lite are for the released offenders. Together, they provide a means of communication through the ability to video conference and message each other, also providing remote check-ins to monitor their whereabouts. TRACKtech products are equipped with behavioral health resources and also LifeSkills programs to help ease the transition back into society. Providing resources and programs that help individuals feel supported post incarceration will help reduce some barriers that prevent them from living a successful life, while reducing recidivism and keeping them on the right track. Technology can be supportive and non-invasive when used to help individuals make sure they have what they need to be successful.