Independent academic study finds digital monitoring tool enhances early intervention and staff decision-making
A major new independent evaluation led by Professor Danielle McDermott of Leeds Trinity University has found that AIM (Alert Intervene Monitor), an innovative digital safety tool developed by Unilink, is transforming the way prison staff identify and support people at risk of self-harm and suicide, enabling them to respond more effectively.
The study, The Use of Technology in Detecting Risk of Self-Harm and Suicide in Prison, highlights the critical role AIM plays in helping staff detect early signs of vulnerability, isolation and distress among prisoners, promoting safer custody across prisons in England and Wales. Using routine behavioural and transactional data from Unilink’s Custodial Management System (CMS), AIM provides timely alerts that enable staff to act before a crisis occurs. Drawing on extensive staff interviews and operational data, the evaluation found compelling evidence that AIM significantly enhances early detection and proactive intervention.
This landmark research was also picked up by the BBC, further underscoring the national relevance and impact of the findings. The full BBC article can be read here: BBC News – Leeds Trinity University study on prison self-harm.
AIM has additionally been highlighted by HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) in four separate establishments as a key contributor to making prisons safer and reducing recidivism.
Early findings show dramatic improvements in safety outcomes. Following AIM’s introduction, self-harm incidents dropped significantly within the first few months of use. These reductions highlight the transformative potential of technology-assisted welfare monitoring in reducing harm and improving prison safety. AIM could represent one of the most effective technological advances in custodial care to date.
“Each incident of self-harm represents a moment of acute distress,” said Professor McDermott, who specialises in prisoner mental health and suicide prevention. “AIM offers staff an additional layer of insight, helping them to identify those at risk earlier, intervene with compassion and ultimately prevent harm.”
Developed over six years, AIM uses behavioural data from Unilink’s CMS to highlight individuals showing signs of withdrawal, disengagement or distress. The software employs a ‘traffic light’ system to flag changes in behaviour — such as reduced meal ordering, missed visits or inactivity — allowing staff to investigate and support individuals before risks escalate. It also strengthens trust and communication between staff and prisoners, helping individuals feel seen, supported and safe.
The evaluation found that staff view AIM as simple, practical and adaptable, embedding seamlessly into daily prison routines. It is now routinely used in Safety Intervention Meetings, ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) reviews and triage processes, strengthening the evidence base behind staff decision-making and improving visibility of prisoner wellbeing.
“AIM doesn’t replace professional judgment, it enhances it,” added Professor McDermott. “It combines technology with humanity, offering a data-driven way to strengthen the relational foundations of safer custody.”
AIM was seen as particularly effective in women’s prisons, where patterns of risk often emerge more gradually. Staff reported that the tool captured subtle behavioural shifts that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, enabling earlier and more sensitive interventions.
Unilink’s Founder, Francis Toye, welcomed the findings, saying:
“This independent evaluation shows the tangible impact that AIM can have on saving lives. Our goal has always been to give frontline staff better tools to protect the most vulnerable, and these results show real progress.”
The evaluation concludes that AIM represents a promising innovation in the management of self-harm and suicide risk, reinforcing the value of evidence-led, human-centric approaches in prison safety policy and practice. AIM is designed to complement traditional safeguarding systems, improve consistency in welfare monitoring and reduce preventable harm across prisons in England and Wales.