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Briefs: Calif. Prison Blocking Cell Phone Signals

Utah recognizes technology innovation in state agencies; Nebraska Gov. touts IT successes.

Calif. Prison Blocking Cell Phone Signals

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is piloting a system that could stamp out prisoners’ use of illicit cell phones.

A technology that blocks cell phone signals is being testing in one unnamed prison. The department’s secretary told Sacramento, Calif., TV station KCRA that if the system is proven effective, it will be implemented to all 33 state prisons, at a cost of $1 million apiece.

In 2006, prison staff confiscated 250 phones. In 2010, that number increased to about 10,760. And so far this year, more than 2,100 phones have been seized.

Source: KCRA


Utah Recognizes Technology Innovation in State Agencies

Utah’s new online driver’s license appointment scheduler was among the state government IT projects recognized this month by the Utah Department of Technology Services.

The department hopes the inaugural Utah eGov Awards — announced last week — will become a yearly event. Award categories include best online video, best new service and most improved project, and best usage of social media.

Vote.utah.gov  — a portal for voting registration, election results and polling place location — was awarded for best new website.

Source: Utah Technology Services News
 

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman Touts IT Successes

It’s a safe bet to assume most citizens don’t know much about the ongoing IT projects in their state — or what agency is responsible for them.

A bylined story from Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman published Monday, March 14, summarizes the projects that state CIO Brenda Decker is overseeing, from a new wireless network for first responders to Web streaming of government hearings.

Gov. Dave Heineman, CIO Brenda Decker, Nebraska/Photo by
“The Office of the CIO has addressed a host of other technology challenges such as developing a single e-mail system for state government to reduce duplication, boost efficiency and create cost savings for state agencies,” Heineman wrote.

The governor goes on to mention several other projects under way in Nebraska in his “get to know” article about the state’s Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Source: McCook Daily Gazette

  Photo: Nebraska CIO Brenda Decker and Gov. Dave Heineman

Miriam Jones is a former chief copy editor of Government Technology, Governing, Public CIO and Emergency Management magazines.