Senate Rules Committee unanimously advances CDCR technology director Edmund Blagdon

The California State Senate Rules Committee voted 5-0 on March 12 to advance Edmund Blagdon’s nomination as director of Enterprise Information Services for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to the full Senate.

Blagdon, who told the committee he has worked at CDCR for 16 years, described recent technology efforts at CDCR including expanded Wi-Fi connectivity, deployment of tablets and laptops for incarcerated people for education and communications, and mobile tools for custody staff. The committee’s questions focused on contraband cellphones and the department’s use of a managed access system (MAS), the rollout of video and audio surveillance (AVSS), license plate reader deployment at institutions, and body-worn cameras.

Why it matters: Senators pressed Blagdon on whether CDCR technology investments are reducing contraband and improving safety. The answers the committee received outline tradeoffs the department faces between technical upgrades, evolving device standards, budget…