Change comes slowly in jails. We know – our team members average 20+ years of experience working in corrections, and we’ve seen it all. Some of the same issues we were dealing with 5 or even 10 years ago are still unresolved, even as the rest of the world changes at a rapid pace.

So, what’s new? What’s on the horizon for jails? What are we keeping an eye on in 2022? Honestly, even though the same old issues are out there, we think 2022 has the potential to be a year of growth for corrections.

Here are the top 3 corrections trends we’ll be watching in 2022:

1. Technology adoption. We’re a tech company – we had to put that one first. And it’s true, technology is getting incredibly sophisticated, and we’re seeing an uptick in the number of jails making the move from pencil-and-paper decision trees to fully developed case management. As more and more jurisdictions are increasing access to justice on the court side through improved technology, they’re also starting to better understand the benefits of not only case management, but also contact tracing, reporting, and more in their jails.
2. Criminal justice reform. These conversations are ongoing across the country, and as issues of social justice rose to the forefront for many communities in 2020 and 2021, we’re seeing an increase in reform movements in many places. At equivant, we are always advocating for greater equity in the justice system, and we also recognize that jails aren’t always equipped for the reforms their communities implement. We’re seeing higher headcounts and longer stays in many jails, and we’re working with clients to get the right technology in place to handle the changes coming their way.
3. Mental health care. Medical and mental health care continues to be front and center for most jails, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. But, we have seen increased attention to these issues in the media and in communities of all sizes across the country, and our perhaps-too-optimistic hope is that 2022 is a turning point for mental health care in this country, especially as it relates to jails.

We may be a technology company, but as our General Manager Greg Eash likes to say, “the best thing we offer is insight.” Our team has been in your shoes, and no matter what is coming your way in 2022, we can help you work through it.

Give us a call today to talk through your current challenges and get practitioner insight into your specific situation. Let’s keep supporting each other next year and every year.