by Michael Howell
The Ravalli County Commissioners have recently approved the lease of a new software program and accompanying hardware to help track activities at the Ravalli County Detention Center. The new system, called the Guardian RFID system, which operates with handheld devices that look similar to a cell phone, will be installed on top of the current jail management system which identifies and tracks the cell placement of all inmates in the facility.
According to Jail Commander Captain Travis McElderry, the Guardian RFID system “will help document things that are going on in the jail and hold officers a little bit more responsible, making sure we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.” He said It would be especially helpful on suicide watch checks, meal services, “razor passes” and other activities conducted by officers in the Detention Center.
The handheld devices can be used to document incidents at the time they are occurring.
Currently, officers have to call in to report an incident and then get to a computer to document it and search existing videos to back up the report, which is very time consuming. Using the new devices, an officer can log in on the ID card posted near the cell door and record observations during suicide checks, for instance, that are logged instantly into the database. The device also alerts the officer with a reminder when a suicide check is due.
McElderry said the device is also handy for logging medication deliveries and recording whether the medicine is accepted or rejected or when medication is spilled. The same holds true for dispensing and return of razors for shaving to ensure and document that the full razor blade is intact when returned. Possession of contraband can be documented immediately upon discovery and the evidence photographed and logged into the record on site.
Each event can be recorded verbally or in text form and logged into the database immediately, along with associated photographs.
“This system increases accountability for everyone and decreases potential liability significantly,” said McElderry. Administrators can view all the information as well as any changes in the data.
The new system could be leased or purchased. McElderry recommended the lease option. The cost for the software, hardware, training and services comes to a total of $12,698.87 for the first year and $10,627.87 for subsequent years over a four to five year lease agreement.
According to McElderry, the money coming in from the Department of Corrections for holding state prisoners, which was recently increased from $50.96 per day per prisoner to $69.63, could be used to cover the cost of the system. He said the Sheriff’s Office recently received unexpected back pay for 2021 and 2022 which combined with the 2023 payments comes to a total of $76,192 which could be used to cover the cost of a four-year lease.
The commissioners agreed to the lease agreement but also asked McElderry to look into the possibility of a discount if the entire lease period were to be paid in advance rather than in annual payments.