January 28, 2014

System Helps Keep Track Of Released Prisoners

Jill Sheridan

When Hoosier offenders are released from prison back into our communities the hope is that they've been reformed, but that isn't always the case. 

The recently improved Law Enforcement Notification System (LENS) gives law enforcement personnel a better public safety tool.

Kurt Bensheimer, with the Indiana Department of Corrections, says the system now provides police with photographs, criminal history, gang and sex offender information as well as a list of tatoos.

"The system allows police department to prepare for the individuals who are being released back into their community," says Bensheimer.

Gang members in particular have a greater chance of recidivism. 

LENS now also allows officers to run searches to assist in criminal investigations.  The new technology is free to authorized law enforcement in Indiana. 

Officers can request notifications or access the information from their computer or smartphone.

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