Episode 283 | Just Preventing Contraband in Corrections with Technology

Original Release Date: March 29, 2024

In episode three of our Innovations in Corrections season, Just Science sat down with Todd Craig, retired Acting Assistant Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Neal Parsons, Senior Research Scientist and Project Manager at RTI International, to discuss how technological advancements can help correctional officers prevent the introduction of contraband into jails and prisons.

For correctional officers, preventing contraband from entering jails and prisons is a top priority as it can present a security threat to inmates and staff. To assist officers in their prevention efforts, researchers and practitioners are working together to implement technological solutions that can help keep contraband, such as cell phones, weapons, and controlled substances, out of correctional facilities. Listen along as Todd and Neal describe common ways that contraband enters a jail or prison, how researchers are developing technology to keep up with new contraband threats, and important logistical considerations when implementing these technologies.

This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Just Science · Just Preventing Contraband In Corrections With Technology

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Episode Citation

Scalise, P., Craig, T., & Parsons, N. (2024, March 29). Just Science. Just Preventing Contraband in Corrections with Technology. [Audio podcast episode]. RTI Justice Practice Area. https://forensicrti.org/just-science-episode-283/

Guest Biography

Todd Craig is a correctional contraband interdiction subject matter expert with 35 years of experience in public safety. While working for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Mr. Craig developed and deployed the first nationwide contraband interdiction systems for the Bureau of Prisons, implementing a multi-layered security defense model which combines full-body imaging scanners, a sophisticated and sensitive network of walk-through metal detectors, packaging palette x-rays scanners, ion spectrometry devices, counter-UAS systems, synthetic and opioid drug detections and digital mail scanning, facial recognition, and contraband cellphone interdiction technologies.

Neal Parsons is a senior research scientist and project manager at RTI. He is an expert at designing and executing large scale testing and evaluation efforts of novel technology for forensic, public safety, and defense applications. He facilitates community knowledge transfer and drive technology transition. Mr. Parsons is skilled at developing and training forensic DNA-based curriculum and providing DNA analysis and technical review of data. Most recently, Neal has been leading Department of Justice testing and evaluation efforts to assess novel counter-UAS system technology for corrections applications.

Episode 283 | Just Preventing Contraband in Corrections with Technology

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