Audio for Correctional Facilities Infographic

Security for correctional facilities is crucial to the safety of both staff and inmates. Many U.S. prisons and jails are overpopulated, where physical altercations can easily break out. While most facilities deploy some type of video surveillance and access control system, audio is an often-overlooked technology when it comes to safeguarding these sites. For those looking to create a more reliable, complete solution, deploying audio security systems with analytic software is the answer. 

Statistics

• The American criminal justice system holds almost 2.3 million people, in 1,719 state prisons, 102 federal prisons, 1,852 juvenile correctional facilities, 3,163 local jails, and 80 Indian Country jails. (PrisonPolicy.org) 
• The U.S.  has 5% of the world population but holds 25% of the world’s prisoners. (New York Times) 
• There were 289 serious assaults per 5,000 inmates recorded in 2015. (Federal Bureau of Prisons “Serious Assaults on Inmates”). This averages out to 24 documented cases per month.

Audio Advantages

• Better Evidence – Audio provides the missing puzzle piece when security personnel are reviewing video surveillance footage. Sound recordings allow for a verbal transcript of a situation, eliminating “he said, she said” arguments and validating, or disproving, incident reports.
• Improved Coverage – Correctional facilities are often large sites. Audio addresses staff limitations by expanding their monitoring ability. By placing audio equipment alongside cameras, officers can receive immediate notification of a potential security threat.
• Assault Reduction – Audio increases deterrence by enabling staff to monitor inmates’ interactions. When a discussion does become hostile, security personnel can work quickly to deescalate the situation. 
• Monitoring Efficiency – Sound is one of the first indicators of a threat, and the same is true for audio in a security system. Rather than watching multiple video feeds at once, specific sound patterns can alert officers to danger.
• Automated Alerts – Authorized security officers can be automatically alerted when an alarm is triggered, greatly reducing reaction times.