questions and answers

Automated security systems are complex, and not all systems are created equal. In this question and answer, Accurate Controls provides responses to common client questions.

Q: Is it time to implement IP closed circuit television systems?

A: Not quite yet, but IP closed circuit television systems should be reviewed again at the end of 2008 or beginning of 2009.

The pros:

•  Newest technology

•  The major camera system manufacturers have created a full product line from IP cameras in integrated housings to network switches and servers. With this development there is a single source of responsibility, which should provide better service and a more reliable system.

The cons:

•  Of all the cameras systems that are sold only about 10% of them are IP. There are even fewer IP systems in the corrections industry. The technology and what is considered standard will continue to change dramatically in the next few years.

•  The cost is still substantially more than an analog camera system.

•  Who will maintain the IP camera system and its network? Considering that most facilities' IT departments are already over taxed, will they add resources to manage this aspect of the facility, or will the maintenance department be responsible for this work? If so, does the maintenance department have the expertise to handle the responsibility? This is a debate that should be considered prior to deciding to go either route.

•  Considering that very few IP systems have been sold in the detention market, these systems don't have a long track record in the industry, thus you maybe a pioneer.

Q: What is proprietary as it relates to electronic security systems and software?

A: This has been a debate for years by manufacturers, designers and integrators. The general consensus is that the product, software and technical training/assistance must be available through multiple wholesale distributors, dealers and developers within a given area or state to be considered non-proprietary.

Q: How do I know I am getting a completely non-proprietary security system?

  A: Get an Accurate Controls system! Once you've selected the equipment and software, ask how the software is developed. Find out if the integrator uses the programming methods developed by the producer of the non-proprietary software, or if the integrator develops its own “logic” and embeds its own logic into the non-proprietary software. When integrators develop and embed their own logic, and that logic points to functions within the system, that makes the entire security system a proprietary system. It is critical that the facility becomes the owner of all the software, and at the end of the project, receives all source codes, software licenses and schedules used for programming.

Q: A facility installed Touch-Screen operator stations six years ago. How and when should those be replaced?

A: Depending on the touch-screen application and the Windows operating system, the facility may be able to merely purchase a new CPU with Windows XP professional operating system. This could involve rolling the Windows operating system back to Windows 2000 (service pack 4), and re-loading the touch-screen application. This approach gets you a new CPU and an additional six to eight years of use.

If the facility's touch-screen application runs on a Windows operating system older than Windows 2000 and it will not support (service pack 4), then the other option is to upgrade the application and the Windows operating system.

Depending on the touch-screen application installed, the owner may need to send the old touch-screen application “runtime” into the manufacturer, who may give you the facility, an upgrade credit toward purchase of the new touch-screen application. There typically are small settings that would need to be implemented and the old application can run on the new CPU and Windows operating system.

This is where the non-proprietary question comes into play. In the case of Wonderware Software, a non-proprietary application, any of the hundreds of system integrators in a variety of markets could perform the upgrade.

If you have a proprietary software or proprietary code, you might be in the difficult position of being at the mercy of the original system integrator or software manufacturer. This can result in a very costly upgrade or total replacement of the software. In this case I would plan well ahead of any foreseen CPU failures.

Q: Describe a facility's transition from the construction process to occupying the facility?

A: The process of construction and the implementation of detention hardware and electronic security systems is a delicate process. Basically, when the general construction is substantially complete this is when the electronic security and detention hardware begins to be tested and the certification process can begin. The testing and certification process is very important. It is imperative that the system integrators and detention hardware suppliers have an opportunity to close all the doors and operate the facility as if it were a jail. This process cannot be done with the other trades working in the building. In most projects this process is not fully executed, which is why the transition between the end of construction and occupancy is often troublesome.

Q: Has technology reached a level where courts can begin to have confidence in video courts, in regards to sound judicial practices at all levels? Does this make site location and proximity to court facilities not as critical in the new jail construction?

A: Yes, the technology that performs these operations has become very reliable and easy to attach as a network device or to the Internet.

Q: My county has an outdated, fractured data system. Our court systems do not interface with each other, let alone the jail, and all paperwork is by email or fax. Given this, has R&D made progress with creating an instrument for interconnectivity, or is it best to scrap them and start over with an entirely new system?

A: Without knowing what systems, software and data systems you currently have, this is a difficult question to answer. In general, it is always easier, and in many cases more cost-effective, to start over. Gather everyone's “wish list,” implement a new approach and system. When starting from scratch you have the ability to shop around and find or develop the system that works best for your facility's particular needs.