Prisons & Correctional Facilities Communication
By adding high quality, integrated voice and audio, the guards will work more efficiently using less man-hours to provide the level of security detainees and visitors depend on.
IP or analog intercom for prison: The primary purpose of a prison communication intercom system is to facilitate safe and secure movement of staff, visitors and detainees. However, these three groups have their own communication requirements which can be very different from each other.
The visitors want to meet the inmate in a safe and secure environment. The prisoners would prefer an intercom station in their cell that offers music distribution and light control. Finally, the guards want the intercom stations in the cells to be equipped with a scream alarm and light signaling in case of an attack. This means that the intercom itself needs to be rugged and offer a high level of integration with other technologies.
The guards patrolling the facilities want a direct communication link to the control room and the other guards patrolling the corridors. The control room wants to have eyes and ears throughout the entire building and be able to address individual cells or public zones.
Prisoner Communication
The Zenitel Tamper and Vandal Proof Stations are specially designed for prison and correctional facilities. With safety and security in mind for both guards and prisoners, these stations come with inbuilt scream alarm, assault alarm, tamper alarm and light signaling.
STENTOFON AUSTRALIA also provides further customization specific to the requirements of Correctional Services in Australia and neighbouring countries. Working with all stakeholders we ensure the product is compliant to specific local requirements and compatible with existing infrastructure.
IP Intercom Stations can be delivered with integrated TV Channel/Volume Control Buttons, Remote Call Panels for top bunks, button-less face plates, or, a grille-less design depending on the needs and functions of the particular cell.
Guard Communication & Safety
The stations inside the prison cell are not only equipped for the benefits of the prison but also to offer additional protection to the guards. The stations offer two security features for the guards; scream alarms and integrated light signaling.
Door and Sallyport intercoms provide further ruggedized noise cancelled communication at vital entry/exit/transit points.
Master Stations inside the control room are equipped with a push-to-talk (PTT) button for private and secure communication and can be desk or wall-mounted, with or without handsets and goosenecks.
STENTOFON AUSTRALIA also offers vandal-proof master stations built to withstand a fast-paced high-energy work environment.
GUARD SAFETY
When a guard or prisoner scream, the station will automatically be activated and connect to the control room. If a CCTV camera is connected, it will also be switched on and stream video to the guard room. The integrated light signaling system runs as a back up to the scream alarm. The stations are connected to special lights installed outside the prison cell. When a guard inspects a cell, he switches on the scream alarm. If the guard either screams or touches any of the buttons on the stations, the light will switch from green to red to indicate there is a problem.
GUARD MOBILITY
Mobility is another very important feature for the guards. They are constantly patrolling the premises and need to be able to reach the right people just as easily as if they were using a fixed intercom station. Zenitel offers integration possibilities between conventional radio equipment and the communication system. However, Zenitel recommends a special range of portable IP DECT equipment that offers the basic functions and possibilities of an intercom system. The IP DECT stations connect to the Zenitel system over a SIP interface and are able to move between repeaters installed across the premises. This means that the IP DECT stations can be carried around anywhere without ever losing their communication link to the system.
Broadcasting Messages & Music
PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES
An advanced Public Address system is an absolute must in order to keep control in a correctional facility. The control room has the ability to address the entire building or a specific prison cell. In case of fire or other emergencies; pre-recorder messages are broadcasted in certain areas to guide the people to safety. At the same time the station can trigger certain doors to lock automatically.
The same Public Address system will be used to broadcast music in the canteen hall and on the exercise grounds. It will provide general information to the inmates.
ZONE ADDRESSING
With Zenitel it is possible to fully integrate a Public Address system and configure and manage it with the Zenitel software. The intercoms, speakers and amplifiers can be grouped in zones and micro zones. These zones will have their own dial extension and can be addressed from any master station.
The same stations that are used inside the prison cells are also used as listening posts in hallways and public areas. They can be configured to trigger an alarm if a certain db-level is exceeded for a certain amount of time.
Integrated System
Zenitel offers advanced integration with CCTV and Public Address systems. Since the introduction of IP technology, Zenitel was also integrating on a software based level with protocols such as OPC, .NET and SIP.
OPC Software
Using cameras in combination with audio allows security to make sound judgments based on what they see and hear. OPC Server Software makes it possible to combine intercom with CCTV using standards based on integration with OPC (Open Connectivity via Open Standards) and Microsoft.NET. This method greatly reduces implementation time and cost of system integration.
Cell monitoring
By a combination of light signaling, scream alarm and CCTV, the prisoners are constantly monitored in a passive way. This means that the minute an irregularity occurs, e.g. an attack on the prisoner, the scream alarm will activate the intercom station. The CCTV camera linked to this station over OPC will automatically be activated and the video window appears on the guard’s PC screen. The sound is activated and the light installed outside the prison cell will shine red to indicate that there is a problem in the cell.
