The inefficiency and increased cost associated with managing multiple security technologies and systems led to IDOC’s Director of Construction Services Kevin Orme to seek a solution that not only increased efficiency and reliability for the prison facilities staff but ensured that both inmate and public safety remained consistent with their organization mission and vision – the top priority.
Gallagher’s security electric fence systems are safe, effective, reliable, and safely deter and detect disturbances without triggering false alarms. “Gallagher’s system changed the way I think about perimeter security,” says IDOC’s Director of Construction Services Kevin Orme. “Gallagher is the specified standard for any correctional facility above minimum security.
A Platform for Increasing Organizational Efficiency and Cost Savings
Gallagher’s perimeter security system is included in all new IDOC construction, as well as being retrofitted into existing facilities throughout the state. The efficient installation process of the Gallagher system meant IDOC could significantly reduce down time in comparison to other technology in the agency.
“The product is great, works reliably every day, and I don’t have to worry about it,” he adds. “We’ve been able to make more effective user of security resources too. Officers have been reallocated from the perimeter to in-prison offender contact areas.”
“Hardware failure rate and recurrent costs are very low, and the software is operator friendly reducing human error,” says Mr. Orme. “Maintenance is much easier; the prison’s maintenance staff have the ability to fix any minor issues.”
An integrated Partnership and Future-Proof Solution
Gallagher Certified Channel Partner Security Automation Systems (SAS) is a valuable partner to both Gallagher and IDOC. SAS has worked with IDOC and Gallagher to design and manage the installation and maintenance of the current system and to develop further solutions to meet future requirements and increase efficiency and safety.
An essential requirement for upgrading a number of low security level 1 facilities to level 2 is perimeter detection. Some IDOC facilities require up to 1000 feet of interior chain link fence to be covered by effective non-lethal perimeter detection.
SAS worked with the IDOC requirements and proposed the Gallagher D21 disturbance sensors to provide the perimeter detection solution.
The D21 Disturbance Sensor measures and analyzes the impact on the fence when disturbed. The sensor raises an alarm only when specified limits ar The D21 Disturbance Sensor |
Ryan Tomlinson from SAS says the D21 sensor was suggested for two main reasons. “First, the D21 sensors integrate seamlessly with the Gallagher Command Centre software, which was a key factor in the decision process. We were already integrating non-lethal electric fencing, door control and video systems with Command Centre and the state preferred not to add another, separate system. The second reason we chose the D21 sensors was cost. Compared to other technologies considered by the state the D21 sensors were the most cost-effective solution.
Mr Tomlinson had confidence in Gallagher and its products to carry out the job successfully. “Although this was to be our first installation of the D21 product, we were confident that between the technical ability of our staff and the support from Gallagher, we would be able to provide a successful installation,” he says. “The D21 sensors were simple to install. They easily mounted to fence posts and other structures the system was monitoring and installing the communications backbone was low-cost and straightforward.”
“After the initial process of setting the address of each sensor, we were able to power-up each new zone of sensors and get them on-line with the Gallagher Controller 6000s. Next, we were able to individually adjust the parameters of each sensor, and monitor real-time data in Command Centre according to the particular characteristics of the structure the sensor was affixed to. Overall, I was impressed with the ease of installation, the adjustability of the sensors and how well the sensors integrate with the Command Centre software.”
Following the installation of the Gallagher system, IDOC was able to reclassify the facility as level 2, thus allowing them to house a wider group of offenders using the cost-effective, yet highly secure perimeter security solutions offered by Gallagher.
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