Enabling Standards in Justice: The role of technology in transforming prison environments
In the era of digital transformation, the justice sector faces a unique set of challenges that necessitate innovative solutions. Among the most pressing issues is the mental health crisis in prisons, a global concern with over 11 million individuals currently incarcerated. Rising self-harm and suicide rates, particularly in prisons in England and Wales, highlight the urgent need for interventions that can ensure the safety and well-being of inmates. This is where technology, specifically the "Alert. Intervene. Monitor" (AIM) application by Unilink Software, plays a crucial role.
The Challenge
Prisons in England and Wales have seen a disturbing increase in self-harm and suicide incidents. Government statistics from 2023 report a 22% rise in self-inflicted deaths, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
The Solution: AIM Application
The AIM application represents a pioneering initiative that leverages data analytics to understand and support inmates better. Developed in collaboration with leading prison operators like Serco, G4S, and Sodexo, AIM provides a sophisticated tool for analysing prisoner interactions and identifying those at higher risk of self-harm and suicide.
At its core, AIM analyses data from prisoners' self-service interactions, using configurable traffic light indicators to flag deviations in routine. Red alerts signal an immediate need for intervention, allowing prison staff to act swiftly. The application considers both dynamic factors (e.g., visits, work, education) and static factors (e.g., age, history of self-harm), synthesising these into a risk assessment framework based on academic research.
Impact and Results
The impact of AIM has been profound. At HMP Peterborough, the introduction of AIM led to an 80% reduction in self-harm incidents among the female prison population and a 61% reduction among the male population within a year. Similarly, HMP Bronzefield saw a 30% decrease in such incidents. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives saved and a significant improvement in the overall prison environment.
Ensuring Nationwide Standards
A recent unannounced inspection of HMP/YOI Peterborough (Women) by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (Nov 2023) concluded that the site is safe and outcomes in that healthy prison test were now ‘good’, a significant improvement since we last inspected in 2017.
Along with the competent management of the establishment, undoubtedly a significant contribution to this success has been the introduction of Alert. Intervene. Monitor (AIM) application.
The app was singled out by HMIP and stamped with the ‘best practice’ badge in the report, making Unilink the first third-party software to receive such an honour from HMIP.
“1.10 A new digital tool helped safer custody staff to identify women most at risk of self-isolation. All interactions that took place through the kiosk, such as booking a visit, buying phone credit and ordering shop items, were monitored to determine women’s involvement in everyday prison life. This helped identify those who were potentially not accessing services or making requests. (See paragraph 3.32.) and prisoners in restorative justice approaches (where offenders consider the consequences of their offending for all parties and can offer an apology or reparation). The introduction of a forensic psychologist since the last inspection gave staff access to considerable expertise in the behaviour of some challenging women (see paragraph 3.14). However, support offered by the mental health team was too limited for a population with considerable histories of trauma (see paragraphs 4.52 and 4.53).
3.32 An impressive new digital tool could help staff identify women most at risk of isolation. All interactions that took place through the kiosk, such as booking a visit, buying phone credit and ordering shop items, could be analysed to determine if a woman was engaging with prison life, which, in turn, could alert staff to the need to provide more support. (See paragraph 1.10.)”
The success of AIM in those specific institutions highlights the potential for technology to standardise what 'good looks like' across the system. By providing a consistent, data-driven approach to monitoring and intervention, AIM sets a benchmark for other facilities to follow. It ensures that all establishments can achieve a high standard of care and safety for inmates, regardless of location or size.
The Future of Digital Justice
As we move forward, the justice sector must continue to embrace technological advancements like AIM to address its myriad challenges. By utilising the power of data, we can create safer, more humane environments in our prisons, where the well-being of every individual is prioritised. The AIM application serves as a testament to the transformative potential of technology in the justice sector, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals.
In conclusion, technology plays an indispensable role in facilitating progress within the justice sector. Initiatives like AIM not only address immediate issues such as self-harm and suicide but also pave the way for establishing nationwide standards of care and intervention. By setting clear expectations for what 'good looks like,' we can ensure that all institutions are equipped to meet these standards, ultimately leading to a more just and humane society.
For more information about AIM and its impact, visit Unilink Software or contact them at [email protected].
Georgie Morgan
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022.
Cinzia Miatto
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
Ella Gago-Brookes
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.
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