“Smell detectors” and AI cameras could be used to catch drug use inside and outside of prison.
Tech companies have pitched the devices to prisons and probation minister James Timpson as a method to monitor criminals and prevent reoffending.
A smell detector which uses synthetic brain cells and artificial intelligence to detect drugs such as spice or fentanyl was among the proposals.
It could improve staff safety in prisons, and help detect if an offender in the community has breached their licence conditions.
AI cameras could also be set up in offenders’ homes in the community to check their behaviour while on licence.
It comes as Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said emerging technology has the potential to “impose a digital prison outside a prison”.
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Lord Timpson said: “We inherited a justice system in crisis and in need of reform. Prisons and probation are working in analogue while tech drives forward a new digital age.
“That’s why we have invited companies to present bold new ideas to help us deliver tough punishment and enhanced surveillance.
“Embracing new technologies will help us to protect victims, reduce reoffending and cut crime as part of our plan for change.”
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Other ideas that were pitched included software to help staff consistently input information on offenders and transcription tools to cut administrative tasks.
Decisions on the plans are expected over the coming months, with successful proposals to be considered for rollout under pilot schemes.
