TECHNOLOGY
By combining data on history, behavior and social dynamics, AI forecasts conflicts or prohibited activities. Staff can intervene proactively, allocate resources efficiently and boost safety with real-time insights.
The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Prisons By Pia Puolakka
modelling, and administrative support.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping multiple sectors, including correctional facilities. Prisons, as high-security environments, pose unique challenges but also opportunities. Historically, corrections adopted new technologies cautiously, but this is shifting. AI can enhance security, improve rehabilitation and healthcare, and streamline operations (Puolakka & Van De Steene, 2021).
Intelligent Surveillance
1. Enhancing Security AI strengthens prison security through intelligent surveillance, predictive risk
AI-powered facial recognition can locate prisoners and visitors, manage access rights and reduce risks. CCTV integrated with AI can detect unusual behaviour, prohibited items or signs of conflict in real time, enabling quick interventions. Voice recognition can flag concerns in monitored calls. Biometric systems — such as fingerprint readers or health-monitoring wristbands — verify identity, control restricted-area access and detect medical problems. Electronic monitoring systems track prisoners on furlough or probation.
Developed using the AI tool ChatGPT5, this image shows how AI also envisions the secure facilities of the future.
Predictive Risk Modeling By combining data on history, behavior, and social dynamics, AI forecasts conflicts or prohibited activities. Staff can intervene proactively, allocate resources efficiently and boost safety with real-time insights.
2. Enhancing Operational Efficiency Smarter Administration AI automates routine tasks such as scheduling, reporting and document management, freeing staff to focus on rehabilitation. Administrative duties can be distributed more effectively within limited resources.
Smarter Offender Management Modern offender management systems integrate AI for risk and needs analysis. Data mining uncovers patterns, while natural language processing extracts factors from free-text case notes, enabling automated reports. Recommender systems simulate staff assessments, suggesting suitable prison units, activities and programs. In some cases, prison allocation resembles hotel-style booking systems.
3. Enhancing Rehabilitation and Learning Many prisons face overcrowding, staff turnover and limited activity options. COVID-19 accelerated digital rehabilitation, and AI offers personalized, adaptive support.
Educational and Rehabilitative Platforms AI-powered platforms provide tailored exercises in substance use recovery, anger management, emotional regulation, literacy, vocational training and language learning. These systems adapt to each prisoner’s pace, track progress, celebrate milestones and offer motivational feedback.
Virtual Coaching and Mentorship AI-driven avatars and chatbots act as mentors or “therabots,” supporting social skills, job readiness and behavioral change. Some incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to simulate therapeutic conversations.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) VR and AR enable inmates to learn daily life skills, rehearse workplace scenarios like job interviews and practice safely before release. VR and AR also support health and wellbeing, including stress relief and anger management. 12 | www.correctionalnews.com | september - october 2025
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