New technological solutions to help prevention and investigation in prison

Abstract

The exponential advancement of digital technologies has transformed both the nature of criminal activities and the methods used to investigate and prevent them, with significant implications for the prison system. This article explores the integration of innovative digital tools into prison security and intelligence operations, focusing on three key areas: the use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and mobile data forensics to analyse criminal networks through inmates’ illegally owned mobile phones; the legal interception of family conversations using concealed microphones and real-time transmission systems; and the deployment of drones and counter-drone technologies to prevent contraband delivery, escapes, and unauthorized surveillance. These technologies enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in monitoring, detecting, and disrupting criminal activities within prison walls. While emphasizing their role in improving prison security, the article also calls for a balanced approach that leverages technology not only for surveillance but also for rehabilitation and digital reintegration, ensuring that prisons evolve in step with broader societal transformations.