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TSA Wireless Technology Keeps Inmates in Check

A state prison in California deploys the TSI PRISM technology to help keep track of inmates and make the prison safer.

CALIPATRIA, CALIF - The California Department of Corrections used a wireless inmate tracking system to help thwart an escape attempt, recognize the identity of an inmate attacker, provide round-the-clock head count information and identified officers' locations when a duress alarm sounded.

The TSI (Technology Systems International) PRISM was deployed by the Calipatria State Prison as a test and passed with flying colors, as both inmates and the prison staff say the prison environment is safer now that inmates know that they are being monitored and that they will be held responsible for their actions.

The system is based on wireless radio frequency identifications technology, including patented software and hardware. The TSI PRISM wireless tracking system consists of five primary components: a tamper detecting wristwatch-size radio frequency transmitter for inmates; a belt-mounted transmitter worn by the officer staff; a strategically placed array of receiving antennae; a computer system; and TSI's PRISM application software.

The software simultaneously processes thousands of unique radio signals every two seconds from the wrist and belt transmitters to pinpoint an individual's location and track that individual in real time as he moves about the facility. The system successfully withstood inmates' attempts to disable it, and is expected to reduce operational costs and help manage the inmate population more efficiently.