This article emphasizes the importance of collaboration between scientists/researchers and corrections and law enforcement practitioners in guiding the goals and functions of technology that will be relevant to the needs of corrections and law enforcement workers.
In order for corrections to benefit from the latest technological advancements, researchers must have an understanding of the operational needs of corrections practitioners. Corrections practitioners can identify various problems or inefficiencies in their operations and then inquire of scientists/researchers whether technologies might be developed to address identified needs. Funding provided by criminal justice agencies can then be directed toward research efforts that hold promise for addressing various needs related to improving public safety. An example cited in this article concerns countermeasures against inmates' use of contraband cell phones smuggled into corrections facilities for any number of illegal activities. In order to combat this problem, the Bureau of Prisons, the National Institute of Justice, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Dahlgren (SPAWAR) have teamed up to collaborate in finding a solution to this national and possibly international problem.