Will AI Replace Correctional Officers and Jailers?

Conduct head counts to ensure that each prisoner is present.

physical manipulation — Physical counting of bodies in a facility

Inspect conditions of locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates at correctional facilities to ensure security and help prevent escapes.

visual inspection — Hands-on safety inspection of physical equipment

Monitor conduct of prisoners in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.

visual inspection — AI can watch camera feeds; human maintains physical surveillance

Search prisoners and vehicles and conduct shakedowns of cells for valuables and contraband, such as weapons or drugs.

visual inspection — Spotting suspicious objects needs physical visual search

Guard facility entrances to screen visitors.

situated mobility — Physical guarding of facilities

Record information, such as prisoner identification, charges, and incidents of inmate disturbance, keeping daily logs of prisoner activities.

text generation — Suspect records drafted; human verifies and owns

Inspect mail for the presence of contraband.

visual inspection — Cargo hazard inspection requires on-site presence

Maintain records of prisoners' identification and charges.

text generation — Suspect records drafted; human verifies and owns

Use weapons, handcuffs, and physical force to maintain discipline and order among prisoners.

physical manipulation — Physical force and weapons in unpredictable confrontations

Use nondisciplinary tools and equipment, such as a computer.

physical manipulation — Operating systems requires hands-on interaction

Conduct fire, safety, and sanitation inspections.

visual inspection — Physical fire-code walkthrough requires presence and judgment

Take prisoners into custody and escort to locations within and outside of facility, such as visiting room, courtroom, or airport.

situated mobility — Physical custody and escort of prisoners

Participate in required job training.

interpersonal — Attending training is a physical, human presence act

Serve meals, distribute commissary items, and dispense prescribed medication to prisoners.

physical manipulation — Administering meds/injections requires hands-on clinical action

Settle disputes between inmates.

interpersonal — Live conflict resolution needs presence and trust

Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.

interpersonal — Performance and complaint discussions carry accountability

Drive passenger vehicles and trucks used to transport inmates to other institutions, courtrooms, hospitals, and work sites.

situated mobility — Driving vehicles to transport people/equipment

Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests.

interpersonal — Interpersonal counseling needs human relationship

Assign duties to inmates, providing instructions as needed.

interpersonal — Inmate supervision is physical, situated, accountability-bearing

Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates.

data analysis — Materials inventory records and forecasting automatable

Arrange daily schedules for prisoners, including library visits, work assignments, family visits, and counseling appointments.

decision support — Routine schedule generation from stated constraints

Search for and recapture escapees.

physical manipulation — Physically apprehending suspects

Process or book convicted individuals into prison.

text generation — Suspect records drafted; human verifies and owns

Supervise and coordinate work of other correctional service officers.

interpersonal — Correctional facility direction is high-stakes human authority

Take fingerprints of arrestees, prisoners, or the general public.

interpersonal — Client info gathering needs human relationship and trust

Investigate crimes that have occurred within an institution, or assist police in their investigations of crimes and inmates.

decision support — AI aids analysis, investigation is human-led

Sponsor inmate recreational activities, such as newspapers and self-help groups.

interpersonal — Inmate supervision is physical, situated, accountability-bearing