By Lisa Brown, Senior Director, Municipal Infrastructure & Smart Communities, Johnson Controls

Government facilities are responsible for maintaining round the clock security for all occupants, especially in corrections facilities. This correction facility recognized that its global headquarters needed a complete security overhaul to provide the safest environment for occupants. After working with malfunctioning sliding doors and system controls over 25 years old, security personnel needed a solution that provided more control over movement on the property to create an overall safer environment for correctional officers.

Modernizing system controls for optimal performance

The Johnson Controls team was brought on site with an applications manager to assess the facility’s existing security systems. After a thorough evaluation, the team came back with recommendations for a complete retrofit that would elevate the operational performance of the facility. Johnson Controls existing relationship with the consultant allowed both teams to work seamlessly to coordinate the project specifications and design.

Technicians got to work refurbishing doors throughout the facility, starting by replacing all defective sliding doors. They also installed touchscreen access control to allow corrections officers to move smoothly and safely throughout the facility. The outdated controls system was replaced with a programmable logic controller that would manage all the lights, audio, alarm points, doors and sliding gates in the facility. To ensure an optimal work environment for the controls operators, camera monitors were repositioned and both ergonomic furniture and an intercom system were installed to allow security personnel to communicate throughout the facility.

A safer, connected correctional facility

The installation of the modern, connected security system created an overall safer and more secure facility for employees. The innovative technology resulted in a more efficient system that eliminates disruptive service calls and reduces system downtime, ensuring 24/7 protection that employees can rely upon. The connected nature of the system will support long-term growth by allowing facility managers to seamlessly integrate additional security features in the future.

To learn more about how Johnson Controls security systems can optimize government facilities, click here.