Comments:

1. Warden Hood on 04/11/2009:

   I enjoyed listening to Brook Henderson's segment on Technology in Private Prisons. Although the YouTube presentation was informative, a few comments concerning these statements are needed: "We will not have to be around much" "No human interaction whatsoever" "Private prisons ... profitable, safe, and efficient now and in the future" During the past 34 years I have worked in local, state, and federal corrections - to include the position of warden of the United States Penitentiary "Supermax" in Colorado. I am currently a National Security Specialist (involved with technology) for GE Homeland Protection. The combined administrative and technology experience provides background for these comments: + Regardless of advancement in technology, correctional professionals will alway want "human intervention" --- we will always want to "be around" to assist offenders, support staff, and maintain public trust. + Humane intervention is paramount to successful rehabilitation and re-entry initatives. Without professional staff, volunteers, and inmate visits, our correctional system will fail. + Private (or public) correctional facilities will always want to balance technology vs. human resources. + Correctional professionals are dedicated individuals who will never be replaced by technology. + Our facilities need to contain non-intrusive technology to address an inmate population that (for the most part) will be released to our communities. Example: We can shakedown inmates on the hour, conduct cavity searches, run K-9 units through living areas each day, and replace visiting rooms with remote-camera visiting to reduce drug contraband in prisons. Is this needed for all inmate populations? Can a reasonable application of technology be provided? Applying trace technology (able to detect trace narcotics or analyze vapors), is a way to assist staff instead of replacing them with technology. The end result is a safer environment for inmates, staff, and our community. The process needs both dedicated staff and non-intrusive technology. Again, I enjoyed the segment but wanted to give some time for non-intrusive, humane technology. Bob Hood Retired Warden National Security Specialist GE Homeland Protection robert.hood@ge.com