In a recent government meeting, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) outlined significant advancements in its Information Technology Division, emphasizing the critical role of technology in modernizing inmate management and enhancing operational efficiency.

The meeting highlighted the Corrections Information Technology System (SITS) project, which aims to implement a modern inmate management system. Initially funded in fiscal year 2020, the project faced budget cuts but was revived in the 87th legislative session. The contract was awarded to Microsoft, with the project commencing in January 2022. A key component of this initiative is the migration of existing mainframe applications to the Azure Government Cloud, which is expected to improve data synchronization and leverage modern cloud services. This transition has already resulted in a projected 39% reduction in annual operating expenses for the first quarter.

The SITS application, built on Microsoft Dynamics, is designed to provide real-time analytics and replace outdated systems. However, due to its complexity, the project faced delays and was temporarily paused during the post-migration support phase.

Another major focus of the meeting was the broadband and network infrastructure expansion initiative. TDCJ has made significant strides in upgrading internet speeds across its facilities, moving from outdated T1 circuits to modern high-speed connections. The goal is to ensure all facilities achieve speeds of at least 50 megabits per second, with funding from grants aiding this effort. The agency is also seeking additional funding to further enhance network infrastructure, which is essential for supporting the increasing technological demands within correctional facilities.

The meeting concluded with a brief overview of the agency's technology transformation since 2020, which includes the replacement of outdated equipment and the introduction of new technologies such as body-worn cameras and enhanced data management systems. As TDCJ continues to push for modernization, the need for robust broadband access remains a priority, particularly for cloud-based systems and virtual court programs that are becoming integral to operations.