CASE STUDY
𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆
The Challenge
The existing courthouse infrastructure presented numerous security and operational challenges. At 48 years old, the facility was no longer suitable due to spatial constraints, security issues, and deteriorating conditions. The courthouse’s layout did not allow for the separation of different groups—judges, inmates, district attorneys, and the public—all shared common spaces such as elevators, raising security concerns. Furthermore, the process of transporting inmates from the detention center to the courthouse was inefficient and involved vehicle transfers, which posed additional security risks.
The Actions
In response to the needs for a modernized judicial infrastructure, the county commissioners initiated the construction of a new courthouse focused on enhancing security and operational efficiency. Our team was at the forefront of this initiative, implementing a series of solutions to bring the courthouse into the modern era.
Electronic Locks and Monitoring: We installed an electronic lock system to control and monitor strategic doors within the courthouse, enhancing security and access control.
Duress Buttons: Silent alarms were strategically placed in several locations enabling a discreet signal for help in case of emergencies.
Inmate Transportation Tunnel: A tunnel for inmate transportation from the courthouse to the jail was constructed, eliminating the need for vehicle transfers. We were tasked with working on the controls for the doors, which are monitored from a central control room. Our team also updated programming at the jail to control access to the new tunnel door.
Elevator Control System: We integrated a relay-based system to remotely control inmate elevators, allowing for secure transport within the courthouse without public knowledge or access.
Intercom System: Over 100 intercoms were installed with one-button operation, allowing for clear communication between control rooms and various courthouse locations, including holding cells.
System Redundancy: Schneider PLCs were configured in a redundant fiber optic loop making the PLC communications redundant. In the event of a system failure at the courthouse, control can be transferred to the jail, ensuring uninterrupted operation by utilizing redundant Ignition gateways. We utilized uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in electrical rooms and enclosures making the system tolerant to short term loss of power while generators kicked in.
Alarms and Status: Ignition’s software provided the ability to show door statuses and alarms. There is potential for additional notifications to be added in the future such as email, texts, and alarms.
Fire Safety Monitoring: The system is monitoring and displaying 12 zones in which inmates are held to give the system critical building monitoring capabilities.
The Results
The implementation of the solutions mentioned above has significantly improved the operational efficiency and security of the courthouse. The sheriff’s deputies, who previously relied on manual locks and keys, now benefit from an electronic system. The new tunnel has streamlined inmate transport, and the separate elevator system ensures the separation of inmates from the public and judiciary, mitigating previous security concerns.
The control room’s ability to monitor doors, alarms, and communicate via intercom has increased responsiveness to potential security breaches. The redundant system architecture ensures reliability and provides a contingency plan for any system outages.
Overall, the project has been met with high satisfaction from all stakeholders, including the county commissioners, the general contractor, and the courthouse staff, indicating a successful overhaul of the courthouse’s security and transportation infrastructure. This case study exemplifies a significant leap in the application of electronic and control systems within the corrections industry.
Winston Salem
Clarksville, TN