The existing PIDS (Perimeter Intrusion Detection System), installed in 1988, no longer met their needs and required increasing maintenance and repair efforts to rectify ongoing issues. In addition, the establishment was in the process of changing categories, from B to A, and therefore the need for an operational and robust PIDS was paramount.

A successful bid fro Tate Security Technology was put forward that included integrations from multiple UK manufacturer companies, all of which are approved by the Home Office and meet the current NOMS requirements, which not only met the original specification but provided a tried and tested solution that redesigned the current system to ensure it was fit for purpose.

Full Acceptance Testing

John L Strickland, Managing Director Tate Security Technology Ltd comments: “The success of the project was due to early involvement with the clients Technical Assessor (TA) and the establishments security department. This was to ensure that Tate Security covered all aspects of the project brief together with the client’s requirements. Prior to the deployment of the New PIDS operating system solution, a full off site Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) was carried out to demonstrate the new systems functionality in the presence of the clients TA together with selected establishment Control Room system operators. Tate Security carried out a full Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of the new Perimeter CCTV and Fence Detection Systems together with a full demonstration of the Datalog operating system prior to the system handover. Tate Security have successfully partnered with Cortech Developments on many MoJ projects over the past 20 years.”

The project brief given to Tate Security was to design and install a new IP based integrated security platform to monitor and control both the new perimeter fence detection system and the new PIDS High Mast IP CCTV camera system.

Tate Security together with other UK Partners (Cortech Developments, Harper Chalice, and Redvision) worked in partnership to create a solution for the client that would:

• Provide full system redundancy.

• Have the capability for future expansion.

• Provide the ability for direct integration to the Cortech Datalog for visual verification and monitoring.

• Incorporate live streaming from selected 3rd party devices.

Operational proof of concept

With Tate Security heading the project using knowledge and experience of working within this challenging environment, they ensured that all parties were involved and able to go through operational proof of concepts that the solution worked as expected.

Maintaining day to day communications with the establishment was vital, with it being a live site Tate Security needed to install and migrate the old system to the new system without losing visibility, connections, data or putting the inmates and staff at risk.

By working in partnership, Tate Security, were able to provide the client with a fully integrated system software solution using Datalog, that allows for operators to obtain greater visibility and situational awareness, while allowing them to respond to alarms, events, or alerts triggered in a more efficient and timely manner.