Across the country, county jails are facing a staffing crisis that is reshaping daily operations and stretching correctional professionals to their limits.
Across the country, county jails are facing a staffing crisis that is reshaping daily operations and stretching correctional professionals to their limits. As vacancies grow and workloads intensify, leaders are being forced to rethink how critical decisions are made with fewer resources. Below, we examine the scope of the staffing emergency—and how data-driven, automated decision support can help jails maintain safety, consistency, and operational stability even as workforce pressures continue into 2026.
The Staffing Crisis Threatening County Jails Nationwide
County jails across America are facing a staffing emergency that shows no signs of easing in 2026. The numbers tell a stark story: facilities are running short between 25%-50% of expected officer numbers, leaving inmates’ basic needs ignored, emergency medical responses delayed, and staff pushed to their limits. ...read more
Since its founding in 1989, Northpointe has built its reputation on providing criminal justice professionals with reliable, data-driven tools that bring consistency and objectivity to complex decision-making. ... read more
4 Ways Using a Validated Inmate Classification Instrument Supports Better Community Corrections... read more
The Significance of Inmate Classification in Discipline... read more
Why You Deserve More From Your Jail Management System (JMS)... read more
The History of The Northpointe Suite and How It Became equivant Corrections... read more
Five Ways AI Could Be Utilized in Jails... read more
The below aren’t just enhancements—they are evolutions. We're building the next generation of justice technology that serves people, supports professionals, and advances public safety through innovation.
Be sure to look out for:
Gender-responsive risk assessment: Introducing frameworks that recognize the unique experiences and needs of women in the justice system, changing how individuals are assessed and supported.
Modernized core platform: Unifying charge management, operations, and programming into a single, connected Northpointe Suite that helps agencies work smarter and more efficiently.
New high-impact modules: Expanding capabilities with intelligent staff scheduling, transparent internal affairs tools, fair and consistent discipline frameworks, and a dedicated human trafficking module.
Inside equivant Corrections
Episode 3
Led by Project Manager, Priscilla Torres, Inside Out highlights innovations from jail, facility, and agency professionals, best practices in custody and classification management, and ways to enhance staff and inmate safety, mitigate risk, and optimize operations. Tune in as we sit down with Joseph Costanzo, Superintendent at the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
Are you a new or long-time user of equivant Corrections software, or interested in learning more? If so, we want to see you at our annual User Conference June 15 -17 in Nashville, TN. Contact usfor more details!
Classification systems drive nearly every decision in jails—from housing and supervision levels to program access and resource use. equivant Corrections’ Jail Classification Assessment provides an objective, practitioner-led evaluation of your classification policies, tools, and outcomes to ensure they align with current best practices, legal expectations, and operational realities.
This comprehensive, evidence-based assessment examines what’s working, where risks exist, and how your facility can strengthen safety, consistency, and defensibility.
Meet Rachel Briggs, Customer Care Manager, equivant
Why did you get into the justice industry?
Even as a teenager, I have been drawn to the justice industry. When I went to college, I knew I wanted a bachelor’s degree in the field but what I didn’t realize was how terrible I am at Chemistry (original major was Forensics). After repeated attempts at Chem 101, I switched majors to Crime, Law, and Justice (minimal science required!). As a
professional, I learned my skill set gravitated toward tech/software. For me, equivant combined my two professional passions—tech and the justice industry!
Favorite thing about working at equivant?
Working with all our different agencies.
Favorite book?
All I read these days are children’s books (for my two daughters), but when I was younger The Girl Who Played With Fire. It’s the lesser known book in the series, but very well written to keep you guessing until the last page!
When you are not working, what are your favorite things to do?
Family time with Aubree, Rylee (my girls), and my husband David. I am also training for a half marathon at the moment and I enjoy playing soccer.
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