Corrections_Today_May_June_2023_Vol.85_No.3

■ MANAGEMENT

to reactive measures to respond to incidents. With the increasing complexity and diversity of inmate popula tions, the need for proactive measures has become more evident. ILC is a framework that aims to enhance cor rectional agency operations by leveraging intelligence to inform decision-making. This paper will explore what ILC is, how it can benefit correctional agencies and sug gestions for implementing ILC. What is Intelligence-led Corrections? ILC is a framework that incorporates intelligence gath ering, analysis and dissemination into correctional agency operations (Laycock, 2007). The approach seeks to proac tively identify and mitigate threats within facilities, rather than responding to incidents after they occur. ILC utilizes information from multiple sources, including inmate interviews, staff observations, telephone calls, messages, mail, visits and deposits as well as any appropriate data point to identify patterns and trends that could indicate security threats. The intelligence gathered through ILC is analyzed to generate insights and recommendations for action. Intelligence analysts use advanced analytics tools to identify patterns and relationships within the data that might not be immediately apparent. The insights gener ated by this analysis are then disseminated to correctional agency staff to inform their decision-making.

Benefits of Intelligence-led Corrections One of the primary benefits of ILC is enhanced security within correctional facilities. By leveraging intelligence to identify security threats before they oc cur, ILC can help prevent violent incidents and reduce the likelihood of staff and inmate injuries (Laycock, 2007). The intelligence 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 (Vidmar & Ares, 2020). Another benefit of ILC is improved resource al location. By providing intelligence about inmate behavior and activities, correctional agencies can allocate their resources more effectively. For example, if intelligence indicates a particular inmate is likely to engage in violent behavior, the agency can allocate additional resources to monitor that inmate, rather than spreading resources thin across the entire population (Laycock, 2007). The practice of ILC can also support rehabilitation efforts by identifying areas where inmates need additional support. For example, if intelligence indicates many inmates are struggling with substance abuse issues, the agency can allocate resources to provide addiction treat ment programs (Vidmar & Ares, 2020). The benefits of ILC have been documented in research studies. For exam ple, a study conducted by the National Institute of Justice found ILC was effective in reducing violent incidents and increasing staff safety in correctional facilities (Baumer, McNulty, & Sullivan, 2018). Another study found ILC ILC utilizes information from multiple sources, including inmate interviews, staff observations, telephone calls, messages, mail, visits and deposits as well as any appropriate data point to identify patterns and trends that could indicate security threats.

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34 — May/June 2023 Corrections Today