Prison security systems are essential for maintaining order and preventing potential threats from escalating within the high-risk environment. Ensuring the safety of inmates, staff, and the public is paramount. However, manually maintaining the safety of these spaces is impossible. Similarly, building the best prison security systems requires precision and planning. That’s why OHEAP not only provides advanced security measures but works closely with you to select and install the ideal security solutions for your facility.
Investing in a range of advanced security measures enables you to create a bespoke security system. Tailoring your security to suit the space will ensure total protection. OHEAP offers a range of prison security solutions. CCTV security cameras, access control systems and ANPR cameras each contribute to the overall security of a prison. This blog will explore these security measures and how they directly benefit prison security systems.
CCTV Cameras
CCTV, or closed-circuit televisions, enhance prison security through strategically placed cameras that monitor and record activity. Given the higher likelihood of incidents occurring in prisons, having security equipment that offers 24/7 monitoring is crucial to maintaining the security of the space.
Investing in security equipment that can provide continuous surveillance is crucial for the protection of inmates and staff. CCTV security systems are vital within prison security systems as they continuously monitor areas for developing threats. They also act as physical deterrents used to deescalate criminal activity or stop crime from occurring altogether. CCTV keeps a record of activity – regardless of when the activity occurs. This ensures continuous protection.
CCTV protects both the internal and external prison security system. Having external CCTV cameras prevents gangs or drug dealers from accessing the prison. Similarly, drug deals, theft or breakouts are reduced through having the continuous presence of surveillance. If any of these risks do occur, the video log left from the cameras will allow prison staff and the authorities to quickly locate the time of events and those involved. Similarly, if a fight does occur the CCTV can protect the liability of surrounding inmates and provide security to staff.
How Do CCTV Security Systems Work?
Each strategically placed CCTV camera takes continuous images that are transmitted either wirelessly or via a cable to the storage device and then the monitor. This enables prisons to have a constant visual record of activity within the prison that may be accessed by prison staff whenever.
First, an OHEAP expert will arrive on-site to install your CCTV cameras. CCTV security systems are strategically installed in low-traffic or hidden areas where danger may develop and go unnoticed. In prisons, these key locations include parking areas, prison cells, corridors or the front desk. The CCTV cameras then transmit a signal that can be monitored remotely or recorded for future use.
OHEAP enhances the versatility of CCTV by enabling video transmission over the internet or wireless networks, allowing access from your phone or computer. Prison security systems rely on instant access to security information to maximise protection. OHEAP’s CCTV security systems provide both accessibility and versatility.
Benefits of CCTV for Prison Security Systems
Access Control
Access controls are security systems that monitor and regulate access to restricted areas.
Access control systems can be classified into two main types: biometrics and barriers. Prison security systems may implement access control internally through biometrics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or tokens, or externally via barriers to parking areas. In prisons where high-risk individuals might attempt to escape, access restricted areas, or obtain sensitive information, it is crucial to have advanced security measures in place to manage access to those spaces.
Facial Recognition Access Control
Facial recognition is a highly advanced access control system. As the name suggests, facial recognition is a biometric access control which scans and assesses the user’s facial features to deny or grant access to a space. Unlike tokens or key cards which may be damaged, lost or stolen facial recognition access controls only rely on the user’s facial features for access. Therefore, this system maximises security.
Facial recognition access controls scan, capture and record the faces of those attempting to gain access to the prison. Access controls are not just used to monitor and regulate those inside the prison. Indeed, this advanced security measure is crucial to preventing drugs and other contraband from being taken into prisons. By capturing the offender’s features and storing the information, the prison security system will have physical evidence of the individual committing the crime. Facial recognition may also be used by prison staff to deny access to the space. If an individual seems suspicious or potentially dangerous, police will have greater control over the security of all involved.
Facial recognition also protects prisoners from dangerous gangs attempting to cause distress, chaos or provoke self-harm. While it is important to control and monitor the access of those inside, prisons must also be prepared to prevent unauthorised individuals from getting in. Remember, prison security systems work both ways. They protect the public on the outside and keep inmates safe on the inside.
Benefits of Access Control for Prison Security Systems
Ultimately access controls are crucial to managing access to private resources in a secure environment. In prisons where there is a constant risk of emerging danger it is important that staff have tools that enable extra control over security. For an in-depth breakdown on how an access control system works our experts offer a range of blogs.
ANPR Cameras
ANPR cameras, or Automatic Number Plate Recognition, is an advanced security system. ANPR uses carefully positioned cameras and optical character recognition (OCR) software to capture and identify vehicle licence plates.
Prison security systems must be able to protect the prison perimeter. This protection is partly achieved through monitoring and regulating the access of vehicles. Drug dealers, gangs, and other individuals trying to bring contraband into the prison may attempt access through unauthorised vehicles. ANPR cameras continuously monitor these tricky-to-access areas for the presence of vehicles. As soon as a vehicle passes the ANPR camera, the system will scan the licence plate and automatically cross-reference the information alongside its database to check for vehicles attached to criminal activity. ANPR cameras are often installed alongside strategically placed CCTV cameras to provide comprehensive protection.
Benefits of ANPR Cameras for Prison Security Systems
In Summary
Prisons may appear daunting to secure, but a comprehensive prison security system can be effectively established by working with a team of safety experts. OHEAP equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.
