It has become commonplace to see video surveillance and access control equipment being used in correctional facilities. However, administrators will be missing out on a valuable tool if audio technology was not added into the mix.
Over the past few years, the number of prisons, jails and detention centers have increased across the U.S., a trend that can be also seen all over the world. To enhance safety in these facilities, operators have been investing in training and prevention programs, as well as installing video surveillance and access control systems to secure the premises.
The environment in these places, however, and the challenges they pose are distinctly different from other facilities, thus testing the ability of traditional systems. The good news is that there is a tool that can be added into their security arsenal – audio technology in the form of sound sensors and microphones. Leveraged correctly, this technology can form an extra layer of security to provide real-time situational awareness and even prevent incidents from occurring.
Why Use Audio Technology?
According to
Louroe Electronics’ recent white paper on creating “A sound solution in corrections,” audio-video integrated solutions can bring several key advantages to the table.
By strategically integrating microphones with cameras around the vast premises, the staff can expand their remote visual monitoring capabilities and also tap into using sound cues to warn them of impending incidents. The addition of aggression detectors will allow the system to detect signs of verbal aggression such as “stressed voices, fear, anger and duress”, which can lead to physical fights. Thus, using pre-set algorithms, alarms can be automatically emitted when specific sound patterns for threats and dangers are detected, alerting the staff to immediately react to the event and minimize the occurrence of physical violence in the facility.
Audio technology is also useful for post-investigation purposes as details of incident reports can be easily verified through video and audio evidence. It will be easier to identify the main culprit responsible for instigating the altercation and clear innocent bystanders of wrongdoings.
Due to these advantages, it is slowly being incorporated in not only higher risk areas such as inmate cells, bathrooms and communal areas, but also in visitation areas, intake and interview rooms to ensure that proper protocols are being followed.
Audio-Video Integrated Solutions
The addition of audio has proven to be quite beneficial for this special type of environment because it produces tangible results and improves return on investment by minimizing incident-related medical and investigation costs. Thus, audio technology can become a valuable tool that facility operators can wield to keep their inmates and staff safe and sound.