Equipment/Technology

JSS is providing support for the adoption of BWC within correctional agencies, jails and sheriffs’ offices, understanding that their deployment, uses, retention and investigations are significantly different from police agency applications of the technology. This effort supports Category 2 grantees as well as some Category 1 Sheriff's Offices.

During this quarter, the agency was mostly concerned with completing grant activities under its BJA-TTA 2020 grant. For 2020, A GAM is needed for reallocating monies from the forensic trauma interview training to another project. Additional projects are being explored and discussed. This GAM will be submitted when new goals and budgets are developed and approved.

During this reporting period, a No Cost Extension (NCE) was submitted and approved by BJA. This was the fourth NCE approved under this grant. The training was scheduled to start on 12/1/2024; however, the training vendor contract is pending legal approval and other requirements of the procurement process. Once the training begins, it will be offered once per week to agency and facility staff. NYC DOC was provided with guidance about using a segregated housing unit based solely on LGBTQI+ status and guidance about staff using window coverings on their office windows.

Essex County closed out their grant during this reporting period. By the end of the grant, Essex County established a permanent state-level position for a mental health clinician. The county tried multiples measures to solicit and hire for this position, including advertising through the existing contract medical provider and the local rape crisis center. Unfortunately, perhaps due to COVID or the impermanence of the position, they continued to encounter barriers to hiring.

Cases responded to and closed during the reporting period July - December 2024 were 409.

During the reporting period, the team reviewed and discussed sections of their PREA audit interim report. Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling (RSAC) staff provided training to RSAC about their role in the community and the services provided under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The telephones in holding can call the assigned PREA reporting numbers. Hiring staff is a priority to address shortages in supervision. WCJDC direct supervision staff were approved for a pay raise and adjustments to the bachelor's degree requirement were made.

During this reporting period, Muscogee County Jail decided to change the food flap goal to cameras, JMS and supporting technology, and a PREA investigations conference. The volunteer and contractor PREA training was scheduled. Religious volunteers and social service providers were PREA trained October 9, 2024. The PREA Coordinator (PC) scheduled medical, mental health, and food services staff for PREA training in November 2024. Officers who missed in-service training are scheduled to be trained in November and December 2024.

During this period, an online forensic interview training was scheduled. ACES training is pending for staff. The coach reviewed and made recommendations on the PREA training. A contract was approved to do camera connectivity upgrades at the Caliente facility. All other camera installations have been completed. The remainder of funds will be spent on body worn cameras to assist with video monitoring. A GAM will be submitted. The background check for Signs of Hope (victim advocacy organization) staff are complete and the training was created and is ready to be delivered.

During this reporting period, the agency conducted a review and revision of the PREA manual and the LGBTQ policy. PREA trainings have been reviewed and approved by the legal department. Since the PREA Coordinator is new to their role, they continue to increase their PREA knowledge and is working on completing the staffing plan. The grantee is gathering information and quotes for a camera upgrade. They are considering submitting a GAM to change budget and program activities.

During this reporting period, Kentucky Department of Corrections closed out their grant. By the end of the award, KY DOC secured a vendor to conduct a camera placement assessment and complete the system installation. The Department reviewed vendor quotes to determine the need for a phased approach to coordinate grant versus match funding. All equipment was ordered, and cables were installed around the facility. The PREA Coordinator worked with the vendor to ensure appropriate barriers, redaction, or pixelation was used in toilet and shower areas.