Internal Messaging
Personal communication between inmates and Officers is
time consuming. It can be frustrating for inmates if they
have to wait for an officer to be available.
InfoCenter has a custom internal messaging system allowing
staff and inmates to communicate with each other confidentially.
Inmates can send messages to Officers, and other approved
contacts, with any queries and receive a response via
the kiosk. This relieves the Officer from mundane administrative
tasks and empowers inmates to find out information for
themselves.
External Messaging
Regular communication with family and friends is proven
to be beneficial in reducing recidivism and encouraging
offenders to lead productive, crime-free lives. However
traditional postal mail is resource intensive, provides
security risk of contraband, and is historically slow
to process. With InfoCenter inmates have secure and controlled
regular communication with approved friends and family.
Features
Secure Controlled Messaging
The messaging system is database driven so it doesn’t
use SMTP and e-mail technology. This means there is no
risk of inmates being able to access the Internet.
Custom Contact Management
Inmate contacts are strictly controlled.
Internal - Inmates can be assigned specific contacts
so that queries can be directed to the most suitable staff.
For example, an inmate can have a support contact, a religious
contact or a medical contact
External – Inmates are limited to sending
and receiving correspondence only from those on their
approved contact list.
Message Review
All messages will be auto-scanned for suspicious keywords
before being sent. Staff can review messages prior to
delivery and have several options. They can review:
- All messages
- A random sample
- Any messages from targeted inmates on a watch list
Intelligence
All messages, incoming and outgoing, are stored and are
available for intelligence gathering and investigative
review.
Reporting
The system provides a full audit trail of communications.
Reports can be based on frequency of use, message recipients
and senders etc.
No attachments or junk mail
All attachments are automatically stripped and not delivered
to the inmate. Similarly the system automatically destroys
any junk mail.
Benefits
Reduced Administration
Less staff time spent on dealing with inmate queries and
filling out information request forms.
Improved Communications
Streamlines the flow of information between inmates and
staff and other service providers. Increases the opportunity
for inmates to communicate with family and friends.
Cost Reduction
Saves cost of producing forms, increases accuracy and
reduces time needed to produce hard copy forms.
Reduces the problems with traditional postal
mail
Prevents the distribution of contraband. Reduces the cost
and time of manual handling.
Accountability
Provides a full history of all messages sent and received.
Reduced Bullying
Channels confidential appeals for help, and provides a
mechanism for dealing with sensitive issues.
Educational
Encourages inmates to use e-mail communications.
Click here
to see a diagram representing external messaging.
