Corrections Connections features New Hampshire Department of Corrections Commissioner Helen Hanks, the first woman ever to be confirmed to the role, as she and Torrey explore tech's transformative power within facilities to improve inmate rehab and staff efficiency. Their conversation examines balancing safety, rehabilitation, and community reintegration with an emphasis on the human element when making decisions, while also highlighting the challenges that tech partners can face in meeting the needs of corrections. Helen overviews New Hampshire's tech for streamlined operations, safety, and rehabilitation, discussing electronic health records and more. She reviews the role of AI/ML in perimeter security, but emphasizes the human element in the decision process. The discussion also highlights the collaborative efforts not only with the community but also between tech vendors and correctional departments to achieve seamless integration, ensuring better resource allocation. Ultimately, this episode reveals a path towards a more effective and humane correctional system, proving that innovation, compassion, and collaboration are essential for success. Episode Highlights: Helen's dedication to mental health and her journey from social work to Commissioner New Hampshire's tech-driven approach and how it boosts safety and efficiency within its correctional facilities How optimization through technology elevates safety and compliance within the correctional system AI role in supporting security and human decision-making in corrections The essential human element in re-entry support that officers provide A community based approach to rehabilitation and re-entry Leveraging technology to address staffing shortages Integrated tech platforms and how they ensure accessibility and affordability for technology solutions How VR and cell phones offer inmates enhanced preparation for community re-entry Key Takeaways: "There's an opportunity in the correction system to really help our communities and help people who are going back to our communities really go back as the best people they can be." "Having a mental illness is one of the primary conditions that we have to take care of while someone's incarcerated." "If people are not well, they can't tackle those other areas of themselves to find self improvement." "Having body-worn cameras in our correctional institutions is no different than having them on our police officers in our community." "You have to stay progressive on what we're experiencing in corrections environments, so your technology has to be nimble." "We don't want just one conglomerate or monopoly of a partner. We need to look at what's the best resource.” "Our corrections officers are truly involved in monitoring and mentoring people.” "Corrections isn’t TV dramas or ‘lock ‘em up and throw away the keys’ because we are not going to have good outcomes with those ideologies." Links: Correctional News: https://correctionalnews.com/ Helen Hanks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hanks-960205102/ New Hampshire Department of Corrections: https://www.corrections.nh.gov/ Pineapple Furniture: https://us.pineapplecontracts.com/ Guard One: https://www.guard1.com/…

In this inaugural episode of Corrections Connections, Torrey sits down with Brian Endler, a seasoned Justice Architect at Gannett Fleming Transystems, to explore his 23-year journey designing correctional facilities. Brian shares his unique path into justice architecture and his passion for creating environments that are more conducive to rehabilitation and positive change. He shares the process of the recent merger with Gannett Fleming, and discusses trends shaping the future of correctional facilities. This insightful conversation also covers topics ranging from the importance of natural daylight to creating specialized units for mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as the critical role of education in overcoming the stigma surrounding these types of projects. Offering a wealth of insights, Brian delves into the challenges and rewards of working in the justice sector. He also shares his approach to designing facilities that prioritize safety, dignity, and a move away from the institutional feel of past facilities. Brian’s practical insights, backed by years of experience, provide invaluable takeaways for both those working in corrections and those interested in the architectural design and construction industry. Episode Highlights: Brian’s journey into justice architecture and the mentorship that guided his path. The recent merger and evolution of Gannett Fleming Transystems in the justice market. Navigating the unique challenges of public perception regarding correctional projects. Emphasizing natural daylighting and creating a more normative environment in design. Current trends in justice architecture that emphasize restorative justice and rehabilitation. The importance of specialized units for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Strategies for collaborating with clients and educating the public on facility benefits. The role of education and collaboration in shaping the future of correctional facilities. The use of technology and new materials to enhance correctional facilities. Links: Correctional News: https://correctionalnews.com/ Gannett Fleming Transystems: https://www.gannettfleming.com/ Brian Endler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-endler-aia-419b928b Pineapple Furniture: https://us.pineapplecontracts.com/ Guard One: https://www.guard1.com/…