The world of corrections is evolving
and not just in policies or rehabilitation approaches. One of the most
significant shifts happening right now is the use of artificial intelligence
(AI) in monitoring and surveillance in prisons. From tracking the behaviors of individuals
who are incarcerated to predicting violence before it happens, AI is quietly
reshaping how prisons operate.
But as with all technological
advancements, it raises pressing questions about privacy, ethics, and human
rights, especially within the already complex world of incarceration. This blog
article is entitled, “10 Interesting
Facts About Artificial Intelligence Monitoring In Prisons”.
Let’s break it down with 10
interesting facts about how artificial intelligence is being used in prisons
today.
1. AI Is
Being Used To Monitor Behavior In Real Time
Artificial intelligence systems can
now analyze real-time footage from surveillance cameras to detect unusual or
potentially dangerous behavior among individuals who are incarcerated. These
systems flag incidents like fights, suicides, drug use, or contraband exchanges
often before human guards even notice. By identifying patterns and anomalies,
AI may help to prevent incidents from escalating.
2. Prisons
Are Using Predictive Analytics To Anticipate Violence
AI is increasingly used not just for
watching but predicting. Predictive analytics tools crunch massive amounts of
data, past incidents, movement patterns, and behavioral trends to anticipate
when and where violent incidents might occur. While this sounds like something
out of a sci-fi movie, it’s already being tested in several high-security
prisons across the U.S. and Europe.
Supporters argue that predictive
analytics can help save lives by allowing prison staff to intervene before
violence erupts. However, critics warn that these systems often rely on
historical data that may already be biased such as disciplinary reports disproportionately
targeting certain racial or ethnic groups. This can lead to a feedback loop
where already-marginalized individuals who are incarcerated are flagged as
high-risk based on skewed data, resulting in increased surveillance or
isolation without any actual misconduct. The balance between safety and
fairness remains a critical point of debate.
Image Source: Pixabay
3. AI
Monitors Both Individuals Who Are
incarcerated And Prison Guards
One surprising aspect of AI use in
prison monitoring and surveillance is that it's not just watching inmates. Some
institutions are using AI to analyze prison guard behavior too, ensuring
protocols are followed and that guards are not abusing their power and individuals
who are incarcerated. This can include monitoring body cam footage, audio logs,
or interaction patterns to detect potential misconduct or excessive force.
4. Body
Cameras Are Becoming Standard And AI Is Watching The Footage
In many jurisdictions, prison guards
are now required to wear body cameras during interactions with individuals who
are incarcerated. These body cams are often integrated with AI systems that can
transcribe conversations, detect aggression in tone, or even identify when a
guard deviates from protocol. This can serve as both a deterrent to misconduct
and a source of evidence when disputes arise.
5. AI
Surveillance Is Used To Reduce Staffing Costs
Running a prison is expensive, and
staffing represents a large portion of the budget. Some prison systems are
turning to AI-driven surveillance to reduce the need for constant human
monitoring. With AI watching the feeds 24/7, fewer guards are needed in control
rooms, freeing up human resources for other tasks. While cost-effective, this
also raises questions about over-reliance on technology in high-stakes
environments.
Image Source: Pixabay
6. AI
Systems Can Track Inmate Movements And Social Networks
Using location-tracking tools, RFID
wristbands, or surveillance cameras, AI can track which inmates spend time
together, how often, and in what locations. Over time, this data can be used to
map social dynamics inside the prison helping to prevent the formation of gangs
or monitor recruitment. While this can improve safety, it also sparks concerns
about profiling and surveillance overreach.
This kind of mapping doesn’t just
track movement; it builds behavioral profiles. AI systems can flag sudden
changes in association patterns, such as an inmate who begins frequenting a new
cellblock or interacting with known high-risk individuals. While this can help
prevent violence or contraband rings, it also risks misinterpreting normal
behavior or reinforcing biased assumptions. For example, individuals who are incarcerated
may be unfairly targeted based on algorithmic associations rather than actual
conduct, raising serious questions about due process and the ethics of
predictive surveillance.
7. AI Can
Analyze Communications Of Individuals who are incarcerated For Threats
From letters and phone calls to
emails and video chats, AI tools are being deployed to scan inmate
communications for keywords or phrases that may indicate threats, escape plans,
or contraband smuggling. Natural language processing algorithms are trained to
detect coded language and flag suspicious content for human review. This kind
of monitoring significantly increases detection rates but also raises privacy
red flags.
8. Some
Prisons Are Using AI Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology is
increasingly used to verify inmate identity, manage visitation, and detect
unauthorized movement within prison facilities. For instance, if an inmate
tries to enter a restricted area, AI systems can instantly recognize them and
trigger alerts. While this enhances security, critics warn of racial bias and
errors inherent in current facial recognition technologies especially when
applied to people of color.
9. Ethical
Concerns Around Surveillance Are Growing
The rise of AI use in incarceration
and prison surveillance has sparked fierce debate among human rights activists
and legal experts. Critics argue that AI monitoring can erode the dignity and
privacy of individuals who are incarcerated, who already live under constant
scrutiny. Others raise concerns about bias in algorithms, false positives, and
the lack of transparency in how AI decisions are made or challenged.
10. There’s
Little Regulation Over How AI Is Used in Prisons
Despite the increasing adoption of
AI in correctional settings, there’s surprisingly little regulation guiding how
it should be used or what rights individuals who are incarcerated have in
response. Questions remain unanswered: Who owns the data collected? Can individuals
who are incarcerated appeal algorithmic decisions? What happens if an AI makes
a mistake that leads to punishment or isolation?
The lack of oversight means each
facility may set its own rules, creating inconsistencies and opening the door
to potential abuse or misuse of power.
Image Source: Pixabay
Conclusion
The use of artificial intelligence
in monitoring and surveillance in prisons is undeniably changing how facilities
are run, how violence is prevented, and how both individuals who are
incarcerated and guards are held accountable. There’s no doubt that AI offers
efficiency, predictive capabilities, and advanced security. But its presence in
places of incarceration where individuals already experience extreme limits on
their rights demand careful scrutiny.
As technology continues to outpace
legislation, one thing is clear: if AI is going to shape the future of prisons,
we must ensure that humanity, fairness,
and accountability remain at the core of its deployment.
References
https://www.govbusinessreview.com/news/artificial-intelligence-monitoring-in-prisons-nwid-104.html
https://www.freylegal.com/news/prisons-use-ai-to-monitor-and-analyze-calls/