Navigating Digital Transformation in Corrections

The digital transformation taking place in many correctional facilities nationwide may come from the need to deal with immediate issues, like the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the advancements in technology making their way into every aspect of our lives. There is a wide range of long-term benefits in adopting new technology.

One simple solution benefits everyone involved: Offering video visitation in your correctional facility is one of the biggest tools available for correctional officers. Video visitation helps jail staff and their facilities while also benefiting inmates and their loved ones.

Correctional Officer Tools and Benefits From Video Visitations

Offering video visitation for inmates, their families and friends is not just a convenience for them — it can help your facility reduce contraband while removing the pressure on your staff to handle frequent on-site visitors or transporting inmates.

Further, while many facilities have recently faced budget cuts and soaring costs, video visitation is a popular tool correctional officers can offer that will help curb costs while:

• Improving safety and security
• Scheduling more flexible visiting hours
• Expanding visitation opportunities
• Reducing recidivism
• Supporting the mental health of those incarcerated

With HomeWAV, inmates are able to initiate video calls whenever an institutionally approved visitor is online without prior scheduling or staff intervention. Since offering video visitation requires less labor and security than in-person visitation, staff can be reassigned to other duties, as needed. Additionally, on-site visitations can be scheduled by visitors directly via web, mobile app, or call center without the need for an operator to schedule or conduct inmate visitation.

By offering video visitation and providing scheduling opportunities via HomeWAV, your facility can decrease the payroll burden and allow correctional staff to dedicate more time and effort towards other matters.

Enhanced Security With HomeWAV

As mentioned before, another important aspect of providing video calls is in the added layers of security. Less in-person visitations mean less concerns about physical safety, contraband, and transportation. However, with HomeWAV, we also include layers of digital security to prevent inmate tampering and secure the system safely. These measures include:

• Video and voice biometrics
• Lockdown browser
• Protocol and content filtering
• Custom scrambling keypad
• Multi-factor authentication
• Password rotation
• Staff IP verification

Additionally, your facility handles the approval of all visitor accounts as well as the safety and security requirements for said accounts. Unlike traditional video conferencing applications, those visitors using HomeWAV to video call need more than the inmate’s number or information to call. Before video calling can be used, the visitor must create an account, then provide a photograph of themselves and one of their state-issued ID for verification. Your facility is then able to review the profile and photographs before accepting or denying their account.

With digital safety measures, HomeWAV adds necessary security tools for your correctional officers, preventing issues from arising during video visitations.

Making the Digital Transformation Easier With HomeWAV

While you provide video visitation as a convenient amenity for your inmates, you offer a helpful tool for your correctional officers that will reduce prison costs and increase safety. 

HomeWAV offers simple ways for those incarcerated to connect via video calls with family and friends, as well as with clergy and lawyers. With customizable solutions and seamless scheduling functions that meet your unique needs, HomeWAV is available to help at no cost to you. We will provide the system and install it in your correctional facility, free of charge. Within minutes, users can create an account, download the free app, and get started.

If you would like more information about HomeWAV, view our frequently asked questions or contact us for additional information or to schedule a demo.