Corrections_Today_May_June_2023_Vol.85_No.3

Introduction I nformation and intelligence are related concepts, although they are not interchangeable. Information refers to data or knowledge that is presented in a raw or unprocessed form, whereas intelligence refers to information that has been analyzed and interpreted to identify patterns, trends or potential security threats. Information can be gathered from a wide range of sources, including public records, news reports, social media and other sources of open-source information. Information can also be obtained through interviews, surveillance or other types of data collection. However, information by itself does not necessarily provide any insight into potential security threats or risks. Intelligence, on the other hand, involves the analysis and interpretation of information to identify patterns or trends that may indicate a security threat. Intelligence analysts use a variety of tools and techniques to analyze information, such as data mining, social network analysis and predictive analytics, among others. Intelligence also involves the use of expert judgment and interpretation to form a conclusion from the data. Intelligence can be thought of as a higher level of analysis that goes beyond simply collecting and presenting information. There have been instances of correctional agencies not acting upon intelligence. A 2019 report completed by the Arizona Office of the Auditor General criticized the Arizona Department of Correction for failing to effec tively use intelligence to identify and address systemic issues within the prison system, such as the use of force by correctional officers and the high rate of staff turnover. The report also noted the department had not consistently implemented policies and procedures related to intel ligence gathering and analysis (Office of the Auditor General, 2019). Additionally, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was cited for failing to act upon intel ligence related to inmate suicides. The Disability Rights Texas report, which was released in 2017, found the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) was often overlooking warning signs of inmate suicide and fail ing to intervene in time to prevent suicides. The report criticized TDCJ’s policies and practices for suicide prevention, including the failure to identify and properly treat inmates with mental health issues and the inadequate training of correctional staff in suicide prevention. The

report also noted that TDCJ’s intelligence gathering and analysis related to inmate suicides was insufficient and the department was not consistently implementing poli cies and procedures related to suicide prevention. The report recommended several changes to TDCJ’s practices, including increased staff training on suicide prevention, improved mental health care for inmates and better use of data and intelligence to identify and address suicide risk factors (Disability Rights Texas, 2017). By leveraging intelligence to identify security threats before they occur, ILC can help prevent violent incidents and reduce the likelihood of staff and inmate injuries (Vidmar & Ares, 2020). The 2017 prison riot at the James T. Vaughn Correc tional Center in Delaware also serves as a reminder of the need for intelligence to be acted upon. The riot resulted in the death of one correctional officer and the injury of several others (Shah, 2017). The Delaware Department of Correction had received intelligence indicating an orga nized group of inmates was planning a coordinated attack on correctional officers in the days leading up to the riot, but the department failed to act on this intelligence (Laycock, 2019). If the department had been practicing Intelligence-led corrections (ILC), it may be possible that if they had used an intelligence-led approach, the attack may not have occurred. By leveraging intelligence to identify security threats before they occur, ILC can help prevent violent incidents and reduce the likelihood of staff and inmate injuries (Vidmar & Ares, 2020). The intel ligence gathered through ILC can also help correctional agencies to identify underlying issues that contribute to security threats, such as gang activity or mental health issues among inmates. Delaware has since implemented a robust intelligence process that plays a critical role in the operation of the agency. However, some agencies remain committed

Illustration opposite page: istock/Nuthawut Somsuk

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