Client Challenge
Our client was operating a 48-year-old courthouse struggling with severe security and operational inefficiencies. The outdated infrastructure of the building presented three critical issues for operations.
- Spatial Constraints: The courthouse layout forced judges, inmates, district attorneys, and the public to share common areas, including elevators, compromising safety.
- Security Issues: Transporting inmates from the detention center to the courthouse involved multiple vehicle transfers, heightening the risk of escape or harm.
- Deteriorating Conditions: The aging building could no longer meet the required modern operational standards.
Our Solution
After a complete overhaul of the building and the severity of its issues, the county commissioners initiated the construction of a new courthouse. DSI was selected to upgrade the Detention and Communications Systems for Secure areas in the new facility. We implemented several solutions to address the courthouse’s challenges:
- Secure Transportation System: Our automation team integrated a relay-based system to remotely control inmate elevators, ensuring secure, discreet transport within the courthouse. The county also constructed an ‘inmate tunnel’ to eliminate vehicle transfers, allowing direct, secure transport from the courthouse to the jail. We installed remote door controls, communications systems and lockdown capabilities to increase the level of security.
- Security & Monitoring System: As a proud Ignition partner, we installed Ignition’s software to monitor door statuses and alarms. The system surveils 12 inmate zones, providing critical building monitoring capabilities. Our systems provide access control to all secure areas within the new facility.
- Intercom & Alarm System: Over 100 intercoms with one-button operation were installed, ensuring clear communication between control rooms and various courthouse locations, including holding cells. We also created a silent alarm system that enables courthouse personnel to make discreet emergency calls without disrupting regular operations.
- Central Control System: We deployed Schneider PLCs with system redundancy, enabling control transfer to the jail in case of a courthouse system failure, ensuring uninterrupted operation via redundant Ignition gateways. Additionally, we installed a power backup utilizing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in electrical rooms and enclosures, making the system tolerant to short-term power loss while generators kick in.
The Results
The implemented solutions significantly enhanced the courthouse’s operational efficiency and security. Key outcomes included:
- Enhanced Security: The new electronic lock system replaced manual locks and keys, providing better control and monitoring for sheriff’s deputies. The control room’s ability to monitor doors, and alarms, and communicate via intercom increased responsiveness to potential security breaches.
- Streamlined Inmate Transport: The new tunnel and separate elevator system ensured inmates were securely transported without public exposure, mitigating previous security concerns.
- Reliable System Architecture: The redundant system architecture ensured reliability and offered a contingency plan for any system outages.
- High Stakeholder Satisfaction: The project received high praise from all stakeholders, including county commissioners, the general contractor, and courthouse staff, marking a successful overhaul of the courthouse’s security and transportation infrastructure.
This project exemplifies DSI Innovation’s expertise in applying advanced electronic and control systems within judicial facilities, showcasing a significant leap in courthouse modernization.
