Implementing the open door concept with card readers and electronic locks.
Prisons are supposed to ensure that inmates stay in prison, have to guarantee security for staff, prevent violent assaults and keep the recidivism rate low after the stay.
Staff and inmates use a card reader to open the door. The inmate can lock his detention room door so that other inmates cannot enter his area. Staff usually have a large bunch of keys and they need to know which key fits where. With the RFID transponder, staff can open any door if they have the appropriate access authorisation.
The open door concept in correctional facilities offers inmates a way to prepare for life after prison by allowing them to participate in various activities. They can open and also lock their detention room independently during the day. Depending on their access authorisation, they can move around in certain areas to get food or to engage in various activities.
Security remains the top priority
Opening doors and areas for inmates does not increase the risk of escape attempts and violence. For one thing, the electronic locks can lock at the push of a button so that inmates cannot get out of the detention rooms to take sides in violent confrontations, for example. Or the inmate’s transponder to open his or her detention room and, if necessary, other doors is locked in the PATRONUM software. On the other hand, the inmates learn to appreciate the somewhat greater freedom very quickly. In case of bad behaviour, violence or danger of escape, the privilege of the greater freedom of movement can be taken away. The detention room door is then locked via electronic or mechanical lock.
The components of the PATRONUM Security Suite are the appropriate security technology to implement the open door concept.
One way to make the open door concept more secure is to use RFID security technology with electronic locks. Here, the doors are equipped with special locks that can only be opened by using RFID technology. Each occupant is given an RFID wristband that they must carry with them to gain access to the appropriate areas.
A major advantage of this technology is the possibility of individual access control. Each inmate can only access certain doors and areas according to their access authorisations. For example, only inmates with a low escape risk can gain access to larger areas.
A major advantage of this technology is the possibility of individual access control. Each occupant can only access certain doors and areas according to their access authorisations. For example, only inmates with a low risk of escape can gain access to larger areas.
Another advantage of RFID security technology is the possibility of automated monitoring. The electronic locks store every opening and closing and transmit this data to the security staff. In the event of an alarm, staff can react quickly and take action.
Staff benefit from electronic locking
RFID technology also offers greater efficiency, increased security and time savings compared to traditional key systems. Staff no longer need to check each access point manually, but can monitor electronically. With mechanical locking, staff have to unlock and lock and are surrounded by several occupants. A concept with electronic locks and vandal-resistant card readers on detention rooms and passage doors can significantly reduce the case of staff being surrounded by inmates.
Flexible solutions for all areas of the prison
PATRONUM card readers are designed for many applications. They can be used standalone as presence readers together with detention room communication, as lift readers, as access control readers with presence function or also in combination with radio locks for older detention room doors without wiring. Overall, RFID security technology with electronic locks offers many advantages for the implementation of the open door concept in correctional facilities. Individual access control, automated monitoring and time savings are just some of the advantages offered by this technology. To be able to use all these advantages in the long term, thorough training of staff and regular maintenance of the technology is necessary. This ensures a safe and successful implementation of the concept.
