I'm writing to you in appreciation for helping our agency to evolve to the next level as it relates to inmate communications. You have been servicing our agency for nearly six years with Smart Communications technologies, and we are thankful for the personal commitment you have shown in making our agency a priority for your services.
The Smart Communications technologies, which we use at our parish jail—the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility—include ten tablets that contain two charging stations in each of the dorms for inmates. The Smart Communications System has a multitude of functions and features that are valuable for the administrative user, but also useful for the inmates.
For instance, one of the many feature tables listed is Lockdown & Scheduling. This tab helps the administrative user to have full control of the inmate's ability to view the tablets in the dorm. This is helpful in the event that an inmate has a disciplinary infraction, the admin user can disable all functions and features for that specific inmate. That could include video visitation, photos being received, games, etc. If the admin user needs to inform a specific inmate or an entire dorm of an event or an event change in the facility, this can be added to the scheduling calendar for just that one inmate or for all to see.
I mentioned earlier that Smart Communications help me to make my correctional facility more progressive in terms of inmate communications. With the tablets in each dorm, the inmates have the ability to receive Video Visitation, which is helpful for family members and the inmate. The technology allows inmates to create a date and time for a family visit with the approval from the admin user. Families no longer need to drive to the facility or have to miss a visitation due to a scheduling conflict or inclement weather. Each video visit for the inmate ranges from 45 minutes to an hour.
Another useful feature for the inmates and admin users is the Messaging and Grievances tab. Inmates have the opportunity to voice their questions and concerns they may not have been able to do during morning inspections/walkthroughs. This function gives inmates a sense of relief knowing their concerns are being prioritized. If an investigation is needed regarding a specific inmate, the admin user can enable an alert when the inmate uses the tablet. The alert will go to the investigating admin user without the inmate knowing.
The system also helps reduce the flow of Contraband throughout the facility by limiting physical mail and cutting down on explicit photographs. The facility does not receive any physical mail. All mail will be posted on the tablet that has to be approved by the admin user along with pictures the inmate receives.
In closing, the Smart Communications system has been a major help to our agency and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the company. If our agency has ever needed a refresher or update, your customer service department has been prompt in assisting us in our needs.
I can only think that is because you, Scotty, strive to treat client agencies like family and make our needs a priority. Thank you for keeping your service connection strong!
Sheriff Mike Tregre, St. John the Baptist Parish, LA
★★★★★
★★★★★
The Mississippi County Sheriff's Office has had a relationship with Smart Communications for over seven years. In that time, we have had very little issue with any smart communication services. And any small issue that occurred was quickly resolved. Your company is reachable and responsive to our needs.
The service provided to the Mississippi County Sheriff's Office has benefited us in a multitude of ways. It is an added convenience for staff members as well was detainee family members; making correspondence easier and faster. It is also a valuable resource for our Criminal Investigation Division; allowing them to strengthen their criminal cases and solve otherwise unsolvable cases. Judges and Prosecutors have also come to rely on this service in our facility.
We appreciate the service your company provides and look forward to our continued relationship.
Sheriff Dale Cook, Mississippi County, AR
★★★★★
Scott Holte has been my point of contact for Smart Communications. Since meeting Scott, he has been consistent in his commitment with us.
He has earned our trust by following through with his obligations and resolving any issues we may come across. Scott has been transparent with us and perhaps most importantly, he sincerely wants to help make things better.
The relationship we have developed with Scott is uncommon to say the least. Most of the representatives we have dealt with in other companies simply do not follow through like Scott does.
Chief Ryan Braus, Lubbock County Sheriff's Office
★★★★★
I am writing to express my full support and endorsement of Smart Communications and the incredible innovation and technology they provide. Our agency has experienced significant improvements in safety and efficiency as a direct result of their solutions, empowering our staff to perform their duties with confidence and competence.
It comes as no surprise that Smart Communications has been recognized and well-earned the coveted Texas Jail Association’s Vendor of the Year Award. Unlike typical vendors, they have proven to be true strategic partners to our agency, consistently bringing value, exceptional service, and fostering strong relationships with us and all their client agencies.
I would also like to specifically highlight Scott Holte, Chief Strategy Officer at Smart Communications. His commitment to treating us like family is evident in every interaction. His vast experience, unwavering effort, and relentless pursuit of continuous improvement have made a remarkable impact on our agency. We are grateful for the partnership we have built with Scott and the entire team at Smart Communications.
I wholeheartedly endorse Smart Communications for their exceptional inmate communications technologies, leading innovations, and unwavering dedication to improving the safety and efficiency of Bell County’s agency operations.
Chief T.J Cruz, Bell County Sheriff's Office
We live in an era when legislation continues to add increased workloads on law enforcement organizations. While having the added struggle of personnel shortages, we regularly search for innovating solutions at overcoming challenges.
Throughout the past few years, the implementation of Smart Communications helped our detention center with a variety of stellar advancements, including - Mail Guard, electronic grievance process, inmate electronic messaging capabilities, and widespread access to a digital law library. These features created no financial strain to the taxpayer, and yielded a wealth of benefit to the detention center and inmates alike.
Inmate correspondence also serves as a valuable resource for gathering intelligence about potential threats inside the facility or details related to criminal investigations. Through use of this feature, detention personnel identified numerous individuals presenting with suicidal ideation, threats to assault others, and attempts to smuggle in contraband. This resource benefits the community in reducing criminal activity and identifying some of the warning signs of persons experiencing a mental health crisis.
Throughout the nation, a large sum of detention centers face a new emerging threat of illicit substances introduced into the jail. Inmates discovered a method of exploiting the privileged correspondence of legal mail as a vessel to transport illicit drugs inside the secured area of the detention center. Under the guise of legal mail, the papers are soaked and dried with harmful substances. These often consist of THC, synthetic cannabinoids, fentanyl, and other narcotic analgesics. Risks of overdose, injuries to inmates and staff amassed substantial concerns with the compromised vulnerability of legal mail.
In a meeting with our strategic partner, Smart Communications offered yet another solution to an existing challenge. With use of a specialized cart, scanned documents of legal mail become accessible to inmates through encrypted files. The tangible papers themselves do not enter the cell, as they either become stored within inmate personal property or shredded in the presence of the inmate. This new practice of disseminating legal mail is currently in the implementation phase at this detention center, and we are enthusiastic about cutting down on drugs entering the facility.
★★★★★
Sheriff Mike Griffis, Ector County TX
Sheriff Phillip E. Miller, White County, AR
★★★★★
My name is Phillip E. Miller, and I have served as the elected sheriff of White County for close to six years and previously served as the chief deputy for six years. During much of this time I have become acquainted with and come to know Scott Holte and Smart Communications. Since our relationship began in March 2015, we have experienced significant advancements that continue to support our objectives in the management of inmate communications and security protocols. I am pleased to endorse Smart Communications as a vital partner in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our correctional facility.
Smart Communications is distinguished by their solutions that effectively tackle the most complex issues present in every detention facility. Their MailGuard® and MailGuardLegalTM solutions have eliminated contraband threats linked to inmate mail, ensuring the safety of our officers, staff, and those in custody. Moreover, inmates gain essential and easy access to stay connected with family, while the system streamlines their requests and grievances. This capability enables us to maintain efficiency in response and reporting, creating a more supportive environment for all involved.
As sheriff, my staff and I work with many different vendors and their representatives-some good, some not so good; however, our collaboration with Smart Communications has been vital in creating an environment where communication is seamless, and safety is prioritized. Their understanding of our unique challenges delivers solutions that directly address our needs. The positive outcomes we have experienced reflect the commitment and expertise of the Smart Communications team.
As we navigate the changing landscape of corrections, having a visionary partner like Smart Communications, which shares our commitment to safety and operational excellence is crucial. I am confident their contributions will be essential in addressing your challenges, and advancing your objectives, just as they have been with ours.
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Scotty Holte, Chief Strategy Officer
"Together, we can explore innovative strategies, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of accountability and support. Your presence will not only enrich our discussions but also empower us to create a framework that benefits everyone involved."
This invitation is a call to action for collaboration and inspiration. We are eager to share our insights and expertise on building a model agency that sets the standard for excellence.
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Phone: (281) 896-3349
