DOI: 10.3886/icpsr37984.v1
title: Optimizing Video Surveillance in Correctional Settings, Minnesota, 2015-2019
title: Version 1

description: The Urban Institute and the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MnDOC) attempted to improve the surveillance system in two state correctional facilities: Stillwater (STW) and Moose Lake (ML). The goal of this study was to conduct a rigorous process and impact evaluation of the steps that STW and ML took to optimize their surveillance systems, which included repositioning existing cameras, installing new cameras, and making other infrastructural upgrades. In addition, ML integrated an audio analytic technology in their system that would alert on-unit security staff through a visual and audio alert when it detected sounds associated with anger, fear, or verbal aggression. Quantitative administrative data was collected from ML and comparison facilities and comparative interrupted time-series (CITS) analyses were employed to examine changes in two outcomes (total misconduct incidents and guilty dispositions) following the intervention. To support the CITS, another unit in ML was identified that did not upgrade its surveillance system but was similar to the intervention housing unit in terms of population, architecture, and misconduct levels (internal comparison unit), and used the synthetic control method to create another comparison unit derived from the three other medium-security prisons operated by MnDOC (external comparison unit).
description: The purpose of this study was to: Identify technical and operational weaknesses/gaps in the surveillance systems of two Minnesota Department of Corrections (MnDOC) prisons: Stillwater and Moose Lake; Develop an enhanced surveillance intervention to help MnDOC overcome some of these weaknesses/gaps; Implement the enhanced surveillance intervention, documenting the challenges and successes the project team encountered during the process; and Evaluate the impact of the enhanced surveillance intervention on correctional misconduct and perceptions of safety within the prisons.
description: Urban and MnDOC developed site-specific implementation plans that detailed recommendations for improving and optimizing the surveillance systems in Stillwater (STW) and Moose Lake (ML). Recommendations included the installation of new high-definition Internet Protocol cameras, infrastructural upgrades, and the integration of audio analytic technology in ML. Quantitative data on misconducts and dispositions was collected from ML and its comparison facilities. Multiple intervention comparative interrupted time-series (CITS) analyses were employed to observe how the count of total misconduct incidents and incidents resulting in guilty dispositions changed in the ML intervention unit after both phases of camera upgrades were implemented. Comparisons were performed between an internal and external unit.
description: Variables in the MnDOC comparative interrupted time-series (CITS) Analysis dataset include information pertaining to infractions such as dates of occurrence, location, and type of infraction. Variables in the Inmate Survey dataset include respondent demographics (age, ethnicity, and race), convictions, infraction records, and opinions on safety and recommendations.
description: A synthetic control method was utilized to generate external comparison units based on a weighted composite of the housing units in MnDOC's two other medium security facilities.
description: Response Rates: 47% of all inmates at Stillwater and Moose Lake correctional facilities responded to the Minnesota Prison Safety Survey.
description: Presence of Common Scales: none
description: Respondents were selected from two correctional facilities in the state of Minnesota. Video surveillance information was collected from three correctional facilities, also in the state of Minnesota.
description: Datasets: DS0: Study-Level Files DS1: MnDOC CITS Analysis Data DS2: Inmate Survey Data
description: Incarcerated adult residents of two Minnesota correctional facilities.
description: on-site questionnaire