Correctional Facilities Communication System Solution

Correctional facilities require highly secure and efficient communication systems. The telephone system must enable controlled inmate communication while supporting fast, reliable internal communication and emergency response for staff. Emerging technologies like SIP, IP, and fiber optics enhance system performance and reliability.

Correctional Facilities
Project Background

Requirements Analysis

Communication Security:

Ensure protection against eavesdropping and tampering to prevent information leaks and maintain prison security.

Emergency Communication:

Quickly and reliably establish communication channels during emergencies such as fires or riots to transmit alerts and support dispatch command.

Internal Management Communication:

Provide convenient communication methods for staff to enable fast information exchange across regions and roles, improving daily management efficiency.

Inmate Communication Management:

Strictly control inmate calls by recording content and duration, preventing violations and maintaining order.

Latest Communication Technologies and Principles

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Technology

SIP is an application-layer signaling protocol and the core of the correctional facility telephone system. It is used to create, modify, and terminate sessions. The SIP server acts as the central control unit, handling call requests, establishing connections, and managing sessions. It communicates with dispatch consoles and other devices to enable voice and video calls.
Principle: Sessions are controlled through message exchange. The calling device sends an INVITE message to the SIP server, which processes and forwards it to the called party. Upon acceptance, a 200 OK message is returned, establishing the call.

IP Communication Technology

IP communication converts voice and data into IP packets for transmission over the internet protocol. In the prison telephone system, devices like dispatch consoles support IP communication to achieve device interconnectivity.
Principle: Devices convert voice signals into digital signals, encapsulate them into IP packets, and send them. The receiving device decapsulates the packets and converts the digital signals back into voice.

Fiber Optic Communication Technology

Fiber optic communication uses optical fibers as the transmission medium, offering high capacity and stability. In the correctional facility system, optical-electrical switches connect fiber optic communication with Ethernet, providing high-speed, reliable transmission channels.
Principle: The transmitter converts electrical signals into optical signals for transmission through fibers, and the receiver converts optical signals back into electrical signals, enabling efficient data transfer.

Solution Design and System Architecture

The prison emergency communication system is built around the monitoring center with a core switch forming the IP backbone. Dispatch consoles, computers, and SIP servers are centrally managed.

Areas like public zones and cell blocks connect alarm buttons, intercoms, broadcasts, and cameras via optical-electrical switches. Duty phones and monitoring terminals are also integrated.

Data from terminals aggregates through optical switches and is sent back to the center via the core switch, forming a three-tier “center-area-terminal” IP network to ensure coordinated alarm, dispatch, broadcast, and monitoring functions during emergencies.

System features

Inmate Call Management

Call Restrictions: The system strictly limits inmates’ call durations and permitted contacts, preventing abuse and maintaining order.
Call Monitoring: Staff can monitor inmate calls in real-time and intervene immediately upon detecting any violations, ensuring lawful and compliant communication.
Call Recording: All inmate calls are automatically and thoroughly recorded with timestamps, supporting staff in audits and comprehensive communication management.

Emergency Communication Functions

One-Touch Alarm: Inmates can press the emergency call button to instantly alert the control room, which receives accurate location and key information, enabling rapid response.
Emergency Dispatch: Management can quickly deploy security and medical resources via the dispatch console for timely and effective emergency handling.
Broadcast Notification: During emergencies, staff can broadcast alerts and evacuation instructions to all or specific areas via IP speakers and network amplifiers, ensuring smooth emergency operations.

Internal Management Communication

Voice Calls: Staff communicate clearly and reliably via dispatch consoles and alarm phones, facilitating efficient daily operations.
Video Calls: Some dispatch consoles support HD video calls, allowing face-to-face communication for better coordination, especially in complex situations.
Call Transfer: Staff can redirect calls to other devices as needed, ensuring important information is never missed and improving response timeliness.

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Correctional Facilities Communication System Solution

Correctional Facilities
Project Background