A centralized JAIL locking system is a computerized system designed and installed by California Electronics at the Cebu Provincial Detention & Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC). Patterned mostly from US jails, CPDRC is considered the most modern jail facility in the country; it features spacious cells (12 inmates per cell maximum with own toilet), playground, conjugal rooms, isolation cells and medical clinic.
Local/Remote Access CCTV. A digital CCTV system complements the centralized jail locking system. This system can be remotely accessed from any remote location using landline or internet. The remote feature is protected from unauthorized access by three-step password system. At present only the Security Consultant are authorized to remotely access the system. This system minimizes entry of drugs into the jail facility.
Biometrics and proximity control. Entrance to the control room is via a fingerprint scanner (biometrics). Opening of individual cell or group of cells are via a proximity controller. Only the control room operators' thumbs are registered in biometrics scanner for security reasons.
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Central Control Panel for Jail Locks, CPDRC. This panel controls 181 cell locks which can be opened individually or in groups. Capable of PC control. Status of each lock is monitored via 3-color LEDs display; open (green), close (red) and tampered (orange) |
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Benefits. A centralized jail lock system and CCTV cameras greatly minimize the number of jail guards, hence reducing operational costs. In the case of CPDRC, almost 50% of jail guards who used to man the now closed old provincial jail were either retired or transferred to other Cebu facilities where their services are needed. During mass opening of the doors (example: during lunch or exercise sessions) there is no need for any guard to manually open any door lock: the control room operator can do the opening himself. Since the locks are self-locking once the cells are closed, the inmates can close the cells by themselves. The cameras will record every move of the inmates for monitoring and future reference. Inmates who do not cooperate are given disciplinary actions (like suspension of visitation rights) so non-compliance are very minimal if not completely non-existent.
Security system also minimizes jail breaks because cameras serve as deterrents to would-be escapees. Jail guards are also more productive knowing that their every movement is recorded on video.
But the single, most practical reason of using this camera & lock combination is to completely eliminate or at least minimize the entry of illegal drugs into Philippine jail facilities. Without cameras or centralized locks, drugs are readily available because drug transactions are not recorded. Outsiders and guards have direct contact with the inmates. The use of non-BJMP control room operators also contribute to the reduction/elimination of drugs through the system of 'guarding the guards'. Non-BJMP operators provide a check and balance within the facility.
Alarms. The jail doors are monitored for unauthorized opening - an alarm will sound if any door is opened during certain times, say after 9PM. The CCTV cameras are configured as motion-detect and will sound an alarm when any movement is detected at the pre-configured areas. If desired, the CCTV will automatically dial up to three phone or cell numbers during alarms to inform the warden or security consultant. We have used the most popular digital CCTV in the market, the Geovision system.
How it operates. There is a central control room manned by non-BJMP personnel. The control room operator has a clear view of the entire facility due to his strategic location and the aid of cameras. Infrared cameras are chosen for viewing at nights, even during total darkness. When an inmate or group of inmates are to go out of the cell, the BJMP guard(s) will contact the control room operator by radio, stating the name of the concerned inmate and the cell number. Upon confirmation, the operator will use his magnetic proximity card to enable system and if confirmed, he will push the button corresponding to the cell number requested by the guard. CCTV cameras will record & monitor every move of the guards and inmates.
Both the CCTV cameras and the status of the jail locks can be monitored remotely via telephone lines or the internet. There is a multi-level password so that unauthorized persons cannot access video and jail locks status. For security reasons, the person remotely accessing the CCTV and jail locks can only see or view status but they cannot open any lock or control cameras.
