Networking technologies are increasingly to be found in China’s jails and reformatories. Of some 100 reformatories in Hebei Province, 47 now operate networks to support computerized management systems and close circuit television (CCTV) monitoring. A further 40 are preparing to implement similar improvements. The networks have been instrumental in achieving improved methods of management and increased efficiency in the supervision of these facilities.
Information on these improvements came from the recent National Jails & Reformatories Networking Management and Dynamic Supervision Meeting which was held in Langfang City of Hebei Province.
An official from the Supreme People's Procuratorate said, “In many places such as Beijing, Zhejiang, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu and Guangdong, networking is now a standard feature supporting the work of managing and supervising the jails and reformatories. As improvements in law enforcement practice can be seen to accompany the use of technology in administration and supervision, more and more networking will emerge in China’s jails and reformatories.”
A networking jail or reformatory is defined by the authorities as one that has introduced information and computer technology (ICT), 24 hour TV monitoring and computer based teaching equipment to aid prisoner reform.
These advances have assisted in bringing traditional jails and reformatories up to date and have made 24-hour central monitoring and co-ordination possible through interconnection of the information systems of the various individual institutions.
Networking has brought significant changes to the work practices in the jails and reformatories. Potentially difficult situations can now be identified and resolved quickly before they have time to develop into serious incidents. Prisoners’ rights can be safeguarded and possible irregularity in the actions of police personnel prevented.
Networking has already helped the authorities in Hebei Province avert more than ten potential incidents. Errors that would have led to unauthorized early releases have been prevented.
Officials of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Justice have all expressed the view that the benefits of networking should be extended step by step to all the jails and reformatories throughout the country. In light of the benefits to both administration and supervision it is hoped that the spread of networking may be achieved in a short period of time.
(china.org.cn by Wang Zhiyong September 24, 2002)
