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Power of Partnerships Three Contractors. One Mission. page 7
Perimeter Security Technologies That Protect Inside and Out page 12
Facility of the Month From ‘The Farm’ to the Future page 22
SEC & DEC Trends Unlocking the Future, Trends in Detention Equipment and Security Electronics page 28
2025 E D I T O R I A L A DV I S O RY B OA R D Jeff Beard Former Secretary of Corrections for California and Pennsylvania Bryan Collier Executive Director, Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice Nicholas Deml Commissioner, Vermont DOC Jeff Dunn Owner, The Dunn Group LLC Helen Hanks Commissioner, New Hampshire DOC Edwardo Jackson Captain, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County, Texas Rob Jeffreys Director, Nebraska DOC Shawn Laughlin Commander, Broomfield Detention Center Brian Lovins, Ph.D. Principal, Justice System Partners Kelly A. Martinez Sheriff, San Diego County Larome Myrick, Ph.D. Executive Director, Rhode Island DCYF
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Tyrone Oliver Commissioner, Georgia DOC Wayne Salisbury Director, Rhode Island DOC Cory Salzillo Managing Partner, WPSS Group Nneka Jones Tapia, Psy.D. Managing Director for Justice Initiatives, Chicago Beyond Josh Tewalt Director, Idaho DOC
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JUVENILE JUSTICE UPDATE
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Felice Upton Asst. Secretary of Juvenile Rehabilitation, Washington State DCYF Tim Ward Former Commissioner, Georgia DOC
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45 DESIGN &
CONSTRUCTION
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS A/E/C JE Dunn Construction recently announced a series of leadership transitions in its West Region. Mark Reilly is retiring after an impactful 40-year career with JE Dunn that Re i l l y began at the company’s Kansas City headquarters. In addition to serving as senior project manager on the Oregon State Prison Two Rivers Correctional Facility project, Reilly played a key role in establishing the Denver office and assumed the role of West Region president in 2019. Under his guidance, the West Region experienced tremendous growth, including the emergence of JE Dunn’s Northern California office and Top Contractor recognitions in Denver and Portland. Succeeding Reilly as West Region President is Dustin Liljehorn, a 28-year leader at JE Dunn. Liljehorn, who most recently led the Rocky Mountain Business Unit, has been a key figure in the L i l j e hor n company’s growth across the Rocky Mountain region, delivering more than $5 billion in projects. Known for his operational expertise and team-building skills, Liljehorn now oversees offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Portland, Phoenix and Santa Clara, focusing on strategic growth and fostering a people-centered culture. His leadership will focus on advancing operational excellence across key markets, including aviation, mission critical, corrections, higher education, advanced industries and healthcare. Stepping into Liljehorn’s previous role as Rocky Mountain Office Lead is Matt Betts, a proven leader with deep roots in Colorado. Betts has led transformative projects
Betts
across the region, from Southern Colorado to Wyoming, including the Larimer County Jail Expansion and Pueblo County Detention Center. Betts’ commitment to building high-performing teams and delivering community-driven results has been a hallmark of his leadership. CORRECTIONAL OFFICIALS In April, the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) announced Rob Metzger as the new director of the state’s 7th District. Metzger brings nearly two Metzg er decades of experience in corrections and behavioral health to the role, having started his career with the IDOC in 2007 as a psychologist at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center. Most recently, he served as the assistant director in the 6th District, where he led operations, fiscal strategy and organizational development for an agency serving more than 4,000 clients annually. Metzger has a strong background in program development, fiscal oversight and staff mentorship. He is a graduate of the IDOC Leadership Institute, ACJI’s leadership academies and the APPA Leadership Institute. The Correctional Leaders Association recently welcomed Virginia Department of Corrections Director Chad Dotson as the new chair of CLA’s Training Committee. Dotson was D o tso n appointed director in 2023, prior to which he served as chair of the Virginia Parole Board. Having studied government at the University of Virginia and earned a juris doctorate from Georgetown University of Law, Dotson also served as a general district court judge and as a circuit court chief judge within the Virginia Supreme Court.
As leaders in justice design, we stand committed to using the design process to promote meaningful transformations and human dignity.
4 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
Charlotte Thrasher will serve as the new superintendent at the Oregon Department of Corrections Coffee Creek Correctional Facility beginning June 23. Thrasher began her career in corrections in 1998 Thrasher as an intern and over the past 27 years has held roles in community corrections, prisons and at Washington DOC headquarters. She has also served as a correctional officer and most recently as superintendent of the Washington Corrections Center for Women. There, Thrasher oversaw numerous meaningful programs which infused hope and humanity into the practices of treating criminogenic needs. In addition to completing her Bachelor of Arts in law and justice at Central Washington University, Thrasher has participated in numerous partnerships and training opportunities with the National Institute of Corrections, the Washington State Association of Police Chiefs, Prison Fellowship and FEMA. COMPANY NEWS
Gannett Fleming TranSystems, a leading engineering and infrastructure solutions provider, announced in late April that it is rebranding to GFT to reflect the Brian M. Gootkin was recently confirmed for a integration of Gannett Fleming, TranSystems and five second term as director of the Montana Department recently acquired businesses. This unified national platform will deliver best-in-class infrastructure consulting services to more than 5,000 public- and private-sector clients across North Healing Spirit House, Coquitlam, BC America.
Designing for Positive Outcomes
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of Corrections. Gootkin was appointed to role by Gov. Greg Gianforte in 2021, prior to which he served as sheriff of Gallatin County and held positions including patrol deputy, detective with the Gootk in Missouri River Drug Task Force, jail administrator and undersheriff. Over the past four years, he has led efforts to improve recruitment and retention at Montana State Prison, implemented the use of safety science to improve workplace culture, and advocated for an historic investment in infrastructure by the Montana Legislature.
Mike Orth has been selected to lead GFT as the company’s chief executive officer. He brings nearly 36 years of leadership Or th experience, most recently serving as president of governments and communities at Black & Veatch, where he oversaw federal, state and local clients. Orth was a member of the company’s board of directors and has experience with water, power, environmental, and mission-critical solutions. Orth will prioritize building on the companies’ strong foundations to deliver differentiated solutions for clients, expand opportunities for employees, and drive sustainable growth across the infrastructure markets served.
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JUVENILE JUSTICE UPDATE
The mural completed by youth in Utah’s Juvenile Justice curriculum is a vibrant symbol of their collective effort and a representation of their journey. Photo Credit: Utah Department of Juvenile Justice
Kindness in Corrections: A Mural of Change
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See Juvenile Justice Update, page 37→
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POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
Three Contractors. One Mission.
Build Westville team members from the joint venture companies of Garmong, Granger and F.A. Wilhelm worked together on every aspect of the project from the executive level to the field. | Photo Credit: Granger
How the joint venture behind Indiana’s largest correctional project proves that culture, trust and shared goals make all the difference By Kat Balster Three general contractors joining forces to form a single, unified project team is rare. Aligning systems, processes—and most notably, mindsets—has transformed one project into something far greater than the sum of its parts. From manufacturers to the owner’s representatives, the collaboration surrounding Indiana’s $1.2 billion Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility in Westville has created a culture of cohesion that defies industry norms. Now past the halfway point, the project stands as a national model for modernization, driven by purpose, trust and shared commitment. The Build Westville joint venture—comprising Indianapolis-based F.A. Wilhelm Construction; Lansing, Mich.-based Granger Construction; and Terre Haute, Ind.-based Garmong Construction—was built on more than qualifications. It was a strategic alignment of complementary strengths, shared values and decades of correctional experience. Each firm brought something essential. Wilhelm offered financial capacity and large-scale project experience, Granger contributed deep correctional facility expertise, and Garmong, in addition to significant corrections experience, provided critical state relationships and regional insight. Most importantly, they all shared a common culture of craftsmanship and collaboration. “We knew the state was going to build a replacement facility up in Westville, and I really wanted to pursue it,” said Garmong President Paul Okeson. “But at several hundred million dollars, we weren’t capable of tackling that alone. So, I went about forming a team.”
strengths, but we didn’t draw hard lines,” Ivkovich said. “We trusted each other to step in where needed.” Craig Armstrong, senior project manager with Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Elevatus Architecture, observed the effect firsthand. “They didn’t act like three companies. They acted like one. Everyone knew their lane, but they shared the same goal—delivering a complex project, on time and on budget.” That clarity translated into consistency and accountability. “You’re not just representing your company—you’re representing the whole team,” said Ivkovich. “That changes how people show up every day.”
Teamwork Beyond the Core The Build Westville collaboration wasn’t limited to the three core contractors. From day one, the success of the project relied on open coordination with a wide range of partners—manufacturers, consultants and specialty vendors—who were integrated into planning, design and execution. “It’s not just about three firms partnering. It’s about everyone in the ecosystem buying into that same culture of communication and problem solving,” said Davison. “From the design team to the door supplier, everyone had a seat at the table.” One of the most active contributors early on was Noblesville, Ind.-based, Pauly Jail Building Company, whose role as the detention equipment contractor began long before installation. “We assisted with everything from doors and hardware
Inside the Project: Westville Correctional Facility Replacement
The new Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility is the largest state-funded construction project in Indiana’s history—valued at $1.2 billion and funded entirely in cash. Built to replace an outdated facility from the 1950s, the new campus represents a complete reset in correctional infrastructure, designed for efficiency, sustainability and long-term flexibility. · Budget: $1.2 billion · Beds: 4,200 · Special Units: 420 high-security cells, 242 mental health beds · Timeline: Design initiated in 2021, expected move-in by 2027 Key Partners:
· Owner: Indiana Department of Corrections · Owner’s Representative: MH Group · Architect: Elevatus Architecture · Contractor(s): Build Westville JV (Garmong, Granger, F.A. Wilhelm) · DEC: The Pauly Jail Building Company and CML Security · SEC: Accurate Controls and SAS “This isn’t just about new buildings—it’s a total system upgrade,” said Armstrong, project manager for Elevatus Architecture “Everything from energy delivery to electronic access is being reimagined.”
From Shared Values to Shared Responsibilities What started as a joint venture of necessity evolved into an integrated partnership of trust and purpose. “All three of our firms self-perform work. That gives us a different mindset,” said Mitch Davison, project executive with Wilhelm. “We’re not just managing from the top—we know how to get our hands dirty, and that built immediate respect across the team.” The firms—each a union-signatory— found early alignment in both culture and construction philosophy. “It wasn’t something we planned, but once we got into the process, it became clear—we speak the same language,” said Davison. “As we vision-boarded the project during pursuit, we realized we were already aligned in our approach and personalities—especially at the executive level,” added Keith Ivkovich, senior project manager with Granger. “That laid the groundwork for real collaboration.” Rather than build a siloed structure, the group organized itself into seven blended teams—each responsible for a specific project zone, such as housing or support facilities. “We divided responsibilities based on www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 7
POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS to ceilings, steel cells, plumbing and lighting,” said Jared Bailey, vice president of operations. “This was true design-assist, not just waiting to build what’s handed to us. We helped maintain the budget without needing value-engineering down the line.” Manufacturers and vendors were also involved in early discussions, selected not just for product quality but for their collaborative approach. “We’ve worked with these manufacturers since 2015,” said Okeson. “They understand corrections, and more importantly, they understand how to work as part of a team.” That coordination extended across project functions. “We weren’t just looking at specs. We were solving real-world problems together, every week,” said Dan Mills, chief executive officer of the M-H Group, which serves as the owner’s representative alongside Evan Heggen. “That level of responsiveness is what made this project tick.” Whether it was discussing programming flows with medical consultants, analyzing transition plans with operations staff or adjusting designs with structural and utility partners, each voice was valued. “In a project this big, there’s no such thing as a small player,” said Armstrong. “What made it work is that Build Westville didn’t treat anyone like one.”
Support From the Outside In The collaborative spirit extended far beyond the construction trailer. Subcontractors, consultants and state officials were all brought into the unified approach. “You couldn’t tell who worked for whom. It was just Build Westville,” added Heggen. “That kind of cohesion made all the difference when we started talking about operations and long-term transition.” That trust was evident from the owner’s side as well. “We were trusted to build this $1.2 billion project in cash,” said Indiana Department of Corrections construction executive Kevin Orme. “We picked this team because they knew how to execute.”
A Blueprint for Collaboration The Build Westville joint venture became more than a structure. Instead of operating as three independent companies, the team formed a single identity with shared accountability. “In a project of this size, partnerships aren’t optional,” said Ivkovich. “But what we’ve created here goes beyond that. It’s a new operational model—one built on communication and trust, not ego.” That model proved effective across all phases—from early procurement and preconstruction coordination to real-time decisions on the jobsite. The seven-zone structure allowed each area to move forward efficiently
without bottlenecks or duplicated effort. “There’s a level of ownership across the team,” said Okeson. “This isn’t just about meeting a contract. It’s about delivering for the people of Indiana.” “What stands out is how indistinguishable the companies became. You couldn’t tell who worked for Wilhelm, who for Granger, who for Garmong—and that’s the point. They became Build Westville,” Mills added. Even when internal processes differed, the partnership held. “We had to flex at times,” said Armstrong. “But that’s what made it work. Everyone was willing to compromise for the greater good.” That mindset, team leaders agree, should become a standard. “This could be a model for future public infrastructure,” said Ivkovich. “Not just in corrections— but anywhere that big goals demand big trust.” As Build Westville demonstrates, lasting outcomes stem from more than construction—they’re built on shared accountability and a culture of trust. That same spirit of intentional collaboration shapes design partnerships as well. Keep reading to explore how Treanor leverages strategic alliances to extend its justice expertise nationwide, proving that the right partner doesn’t just strengthen the work—it elevates it.
How Strategic Partnerships Shape Justice Design By Kat Balster
Choosing the Right Partner
For Treanor, a Lawrence, Kan.-based architecture firm, the foundation of impactful justice design isn’t just vision—it’s collaboration. As the firm’s portfolio has grown across the country, one principle remains clear: Strong partnerships are essential. Not just to win the work, but to deliver meaningful outcomes. “We realized that most projects outside our backyards require more than design excellence—they require trust and presence,” said Jeff Lane, principal at Treanor. “Years ago, we partnered to build our portfolio. Today, we’re invited to the table for our expertise—but we still believe the right partner multiplies value.”
Lane emphasizes that aligning in values and work ethics are just as important as experience. “You’re looking for groups that don’t just say, ‘We’re architects too,’” he said. “You want someone who brings something unique to the table—like behavioral health experience or regional construction knowledge—and who genuinely wants to collaborate.” Rather than one-off ventures, Treanor focuses on building regional relationships that last across multiple jobs. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, Lane described how partners now bring projects to Treanor rather than the other way around—an evolution born from mutual trust.
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Collaboration in Practice Lane’s team prefers partnerships that span the entire lifecycle of a project—from early design through construction. “For us, it’s not just about handing over drawings and walking away,” he said. “We want to see it through with our partners and the owner.” He cited current projects in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Benton County, Wash., where local firms have proven vital in navigating construction issues and maintaining close client contact. “Sometimes it’s not enough to say, ‘I can be there tomorrow,’” Lane explained. “Having someone local who can be there today makes a difference.”
Communication, Not Competition Effective partnerships require clarity on roles and trust in one another’s capabilities. Treanor often supports the design, while the local partner serves as
Collaboration between all members of the team and the owner/ operator has been a critical element of Treanor’s success. Photo Credit: Kris Faulkner
architect of record and project manager. “We don’t want to take clients from anyone,” Lane said. “We’re there to support. If the project is successful, we all win.” To ensure that success, Treanor invites local partners to engage from day one, sharing access to design models and documentation. “It’s not a black box,” Lane said. “We collaborate in real time so everyone’s in sync.”
Long-Term Thinking While empowering potential competitors always carries risks, Treanor takes a strategic view. They intentionally seek partners with complementary rather than overlapping expertise. “Depending on the region and client needs, we seek out firms with local roots and specialization that will benefit our clients,” Lane explained. “That’s where the value is. We’re not duplicating—we’re elevating.” Ultimately, for Treanor, partnership is more than a delivery method. It’s become a mindset. “The best partners don’t just work next to you,” Lane said. “They work with you and for the same goal.”
Treanor worked with local architects on projects such as the Benton County Juvenile Facility in Washington to maintain a consistent local presence. Photo Credit: 3DRender
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Bryan Stirling, speaking to Congress as the director of corrections for South Carolina, has been a leading advocate for the legislation and discussed the impact on public and staff safety. Photo Credit (all): Lilliana Coronado
Correctional Leaders Push for Cell Phone Jamming Reform By Kat Balster Contraband cell phones continue to represent one of the greatest threats to safety inside correctional facilities. The illegal devices endanger the well-being of staff and inmates, while also allowing crime to spill beyond prison
Department of Corrections who was recently elevated to U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, emphasized that regular, legal communication wouldn’t be impacted and noted the expense that contraband phones pose to the inmates. “A contraband cell phone call can cost [an inmate] $7,000 to $8,000, while a legitimate phone call costs $0.05 a minute. You can talk to your family for 15 minutes every day for 25 years before you would reach that amount,” Stirling stated during the press conference announcing the introduction of the bill on Capitol Hill. “Having the ability to jam cell phone communications in a prison environment will create a safer workspace for the staff and a safer environment for the inmate population to engage in rehabilitative and education programs crucial to successful reentry into our communities,” said Frank Strada, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Corrections, in the same presentation.
The Scope of the Crisis
Bryan Stirling and Lt. Francisco Collazo—a correctional officer at Lieber Correctional Insitution near Charleston, S.C., who was threatened by inmates after a routine contraband sweep—stood before Congress to support the proposed legislation.
walls into communities. The growing use of contraband cell phones not only endangers lives but also disrupts rehabilitation and education efforts that are critical to successful reentry. To combat this escalating threat, correctional leaders are throwing their support behind the Cell Phone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 2350/S. 1137). The bipartisan bill would authorize state correctional facilities to deploy targeted signal-jamming technologies—a capability already available to the Federal Bureau of Prisons but currently prohibited for state systems.
Leaders Rally Behind Congressional Action On March 26, directors from South Carolina, Tennessee, Idaho, and Georgia joined Rep. David Kustoff of Tennessee and Sen. Tom Cotton from Arkansas to advocate for the legislation. Their message was clear: Every day without the ability to use cell phone
Despite intense security measures, contraband cellphones remain widespread. A 2021 survey by the Correctional Leaders Association (CLA) found that corrections departments in eight states — Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas — intercepted approximately 30,095 illegal phones in a single year. The increase to an already staggering number has been alarming. Between 2022 and 2024, Florida reported confiscating 19,111 phones, while Georgia confiscated 41,551 and Alabama seized 12,785. Contraband phones fuel a wide range of crimes from within prison walls. Inmates have used them to orchestrate murder plots, coordinate drug trafficking, extort victims and intimidate witnesses. High-profile incidents include an inmate-led escape in Arkansas organized with a cellphone and an incarcerated North Carolina gang leader’s plan to kidnap a prosecutor’s father. Federal prisons have already moved to address the issue. Facilities like USP Florence in Colorado and FCC Coleman in Florida have installed micro-jamming technology capable of precisely targeting prison housing units without disrupting outside communications.
About the Proposed Bill The Cell Phone Jamming Reform Act would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to permit
“Having the ability to jam cell phone communications in a prison environment will create a safer workspace for the staff and a safer environment for the inmate population to engage in rehabilitative and education programs crucial to successful reentry into our communities.” - Frank Strada jamming is another day incarcerated criminals can endanger the public. Bryan Stirling, then-director of the South Carolina 10 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
state correctional facilities to deploy the same signaljamming technology now used in federal facilities. The bill addresses potential FCC concerns by including
Stirling
Bryan P. Stirling, one of the nation’s longestserving and most respected corrections leaders, has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. He was sworn in April 28 at the U.S. District Courthouse following his nomination by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Stirling spent more than a decade leading the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he transformed reentry programs, reduced recidivism to the lowest rate in the country and became a national voice on prison safety and contraband prevention. He has been a strong advocate for the legislation supporting cell phone jamming reform.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead the men and women at the Department of Corrections and help transform the agency into a place where incarcerated people are returned to society safely with real second chances,” Stirling said. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of South Carolina and pledge to uphold the high standards set by those who came before me.”
safeguards to prevent interference with emergency services, authorized communications and the public. The measure has broad bipartisan support, with more than 30 state attorneys general, dozens of correctional directors and public safety organizations endorsing the effort.
Current Status and Next Steps H.R. 2350 and S. 1137 were introduced in Congress in March 2025. Correctional leaders and supporters are urging Congress to hold hearings in the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee where the bills have been referred. They are also advocating for, at a minimum, creating a pilot program to further demonstrate the effectiveness of micro-jamming systems. If passed, the legislation would mark a major victory for prison and public safety, providing corrections professionals with a critical tool to prevent crime and protect both those inside and beyond the perimeter. As Strada stated to Congress, “This bill will greatly reduce the hazards of contraband and create a safer workspace for all.”
PERIMETER SECURITY
Technologies That Protect Inside and Out
New fencing systems and mail-screening tools help facilities block contraband and reinforce security Buford Goff & Associates (BGA). With more than 40 In the correctional environment, the perimeter has two years in perimeter and electronic security—beginning in nuclear energy—Summer says correctional facilities must equally important functions. As Bobby Lumpkin, chief think beyond the chain-link-and-razor-ribbon model. operations officer for the Texas Department of Criminal “Perimeter design is a layered approach built around Justice (TDCJ), put it, “Perimeter security is as much what we call the five D’s: Deter, Detect, Delay, Defend about stopping people from getting out as it is about and Deny, ” Summer explained. “You need equal stopping things from getting in.” protection around the entire perimeter, not just deterrence. You need detection and response capability in place.” Modern perimeter design often includes fiber-optic systems, microwave shaker fences and zone-based monitoring. “Fiber is our go-to lately,” said Summer. “It’s accurate, immune to lightning and doesn’t require trenching or buried conduit. It also helps reduce false alarms, which can lead staff to ignore real threats.” Camera systems can support perimeter alarms by providing context and verification, Summer noted, though they shouldn’t be the sole method Tautwire alarms on contact, offering high reliability with low false alarm rates. of detection. “AI may play a Photo Credit: Buford Goff & Associates larger role soon—particularly for behavior detection or public-side contraband monitoring—but From escape attempts to contraband smuggled via boots on the ground remain essential for any credible drones, mail or even staff, today’s correctional facilities response.” face increasingly complex threats. The challenge lies By Kat Balster
in maintaining safety and operational security for staff, residents and the public—while adapting to technological advances and staffing constraints.
Reimagining the Fence Line Few understand this balance better than Keith Summer, principal of the security electronics group at
correctional officers,” Lumpkin said. “Today, we’ve cut that nearly in half—down to just under 5,000—and with the new perimeter systems, we’ve already been able to reduce about 200 posts without a single layoff.” The shift involves installing less-than-lethal pulse fences on maximum-security units and microwave shaker systems on medium- and minimum-security facilities. “Twelve to eighteen months in, none of the new fences have been defeated,” said Lumpkin. “One person tried and jumped off when the voltage increased.” Each system goes through a 30-day test phase before
Texas Takes a New Approach In Texas, where TDCJ manages 102 facilities (soon to be 103), Lumpkin is overseeing one of the nation’s largest perimeter security overhauls. Historically, all facilities had manned perimeter towers and regular patrols. But severe staffing shortages pushed TDCJ to adopt new systems. “Back in April 2022, we were short about 8,300
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Design and Manufacturing Excellence
Combined systems of tautwire and non-lethal electric fencing offer immediate detection and escalating deterrent response. Photo Credit: TDCJ
PERIMETER SECURITY operational use, allowing staff to calibrate sensors and address false alarms. Once implemented, most sites reduce staffed towers from several to just one, while maintaining 24-hour perimeter patrols. By reducing dependence on fixed guard posts, TDCJ anticipates a reduction of 500 positions statewide—without layoffs— allowing the reallocation of staff to more critical areas.
Beyond the Fence: Contraband Detection While physical perimeters remain critical, another major contraband route is through the mail—especially legal mail, which cannot be scanned or digitized due to privacy laws. “That’s where we have an ongoing challenge,” Lumpkin said. “Synthetic cannabinoids and other substances are coming through legal mail, soaked into paper.” To combat this, TDCJ deployed advanced mail-screening systems from RaySecur. “It looks similar to an overhead projector,” Lumpkin said, “but it can assist in detecting if possible contraband is within the sealed envelopes without opening them. We receive 82,000 pieces of legal mail, and this technology lets us scan it safely.” RaySecur’s CEO, Alex Sappok, Ph.D., explained how the tech works. “Our imaging system uses terahertz frequencies, or T-rays— completely safe and noninvasive—to visualize contraband inside sealed items. We’re 300 times more sensitive than X-ray to detect powders, liquids, suboxone and even laced paper down to a single treated sheet in a stack.”
MailSecur in action: Real-time 4D T-ray imaging detects hidden threats in incoming mail without opening the envelope—keeping people and facilities safe. Photo Credit: RaySecur
moving from guard towers to sensor-based systems to improve efficiency while maintaining safety. Others are implementing advanced mail-screening to intercept narcotics in legal mail and reduce overdose risks. From fiber-optic fencing to mobile mail scanners, technology is offering tools that balance the need for safety, privacy and cost control. According to Summer, the goal is not to over-engineer a facility, but to provide “good value and simplicity” while making sure any breach triggers an effective, timely response. As threats continue to evolve—from synthetic drugs to drone deliveries—facilities are testing new technologies and layered approaches to strengthen their perimeters and reduce vulnerability from all angles.
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FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1984
ITASCA COUNTY JAIL AND COURTS Construction Manager: Contegrity Group Inc. Security & Fire-Rated Glazing: McGrory Glass, Inc. Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing/Fire-Protection Engineering: EDI-Dolejs Inc. Structural Engineering: Paulson and Clark Engineering Civil Engineering: JPJ Engineering Inc. Photo © Saari and Forrai Architectural Photography | Provided by Klein McCarthy Architects
Chad Snyder defend@mcgrory.com 724-290-3136
KEY FEATURES: · Noninvasive imaging: Maintains privacy for legal mail · Enhanced safety: Reduces staff exposure to fentanyl and other toxins · Mobile and adaptable: Can be used beyond the mailroom to screen personal items · Live expert support: 24/7 access to trained analysts for second opinions
USE CASE: Addressing the flow of synthetic drugs through legal mail, RaySecur offers a scalable, staff-friendly solution to a growing contraband threat. These units are now also used beyond the mailroom, including mobile deployment to screen items in cells or personal effects, extending detection capability to contraband that enters through other means—such as drones, visitors or corrupt staff.
Applications and Takeaways Correctional agencies are using a combination of deterrents, detection technologies and real-time response to address both escape risks and contraband infiltration. Solutions vary by facility type, location and budget. Some, like TDCJ, are www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 13
INDUSTRY ADVOCACY
Redefining Public Safety in Correctional Facilities: Beyond the False Choice
Moving away from incapacitation and containment to designing facilities that protect communities by transforming lives—not just controlling them By Brian Lovins, Ph.D. For decades, our correctional system has operated under a fundamental misconception: That maximizing
immediate security and control must come at the expense of the conditions that promote long-term success. This false dichotomy has shaped everything from facility architecture to operational policies,
creating a self-defeating cycle where the pursuit of short-term safety actively undermines true long-term public safety. The evidence is clear: Our current approach has failed on both fronts.
Correctional staff experience some of the highest rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among all professions, with life expectancies significantly below the general population. Meanwhile, the national re-arrest rate for formerly incarcerated people hovers around 70%—a damning indictment of the system’s inability to fulfill its most basic public safety mandate.
Reframing the Conversation: Security and Wellness as Mutually Reinforcing Goals It’s time to recognize a powerful truth: Environments that promote human dignity and wellness are inherently more secure. This isn’t idealism—it’s pragmatic, and supported by evidence from both domestic and international correctional models. Designing facilities with clear sightlines that preserve dignity and personal space doesn’t mean sacrificing security for comfort—it means reducing the psychological pressures that fuel violence and self-harm. When we incorporate The dayroom of the north housing unit at James A. Musick Facility in Orange County, Calif., is designed with natural light and color to maximize the health and rehabilitation of the occupants. | Photo Credit: Kim Rodgers
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T I TA N S T E E L D O O R . C O M 14 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
natural light, appropriate acoustics and thoughtful color schemes, we aren’t prioritizing aesthetics over function— we’re creating environments that reduce stress-induced aggression and support the mental health of everyone in the facility. There is a fundamental contradiction in our current approach: We place people in environments known to increase trauma, aggression and mental deterioration, then expect those same environments to prepare them for a law-abiding life in the community. We subject our staff to chronically stressful, dehumanizing workplaces, then express surprise at high turnover rates and diminished performance.
See Industry Advocacy, page 38→
Thank you for serving your community.
THE SEC & DEC LIST SEC ONLY
Correctional News contacted leading Security Electronics Contractors (SEC) and Detention Equipment Contractors (DEC) across the country to gather insights on the state of the market. Companies were invited to provide information and supporting documentation. This compiled list serves as a resource guide, offering readers valuable information on firm size, region, scope of work and manufacturing capabilities.
Company
Contact, Title
Accurate Controls Inc.*
TJ Rogers, CEO
tjrogers@accuratecontrols.com
Black Creek Integrated Systems Corp.* Seth Mercer, Sales Engineer LONG Building Technologies Inc.
Craig Engelbrecht, Vice President
cengelbrecht@long.com
South Western Communications
Jason Gregory, Director of Sales, Detention
jason.gregory@swc.net
DEC ONLY
American Corrections Maintenance Inc. Alan Birnbrauer, President
SEC & DEC
smercer@blackcreekisc.com
abirnbrauer@american-corrections.com
Crowder Detention Inc.*
Toby Crowder, Vice President
FORDERER CORNICE WORKS
Mark Koeppen, Vice President of Operations mark@fordererdoors.com
ModCorr | MSP*
Buddy Johns, President
info@modcorr.com
Noah Detention Construction
Robin Noah, President
rnoah@noahdetention.com
Southern Folger Contracting Inc.
Donovan Meckes, Owner/President
sales@southernfolgercontracting.com
Stronghold Industries Inc.
Jack Little, Project Manager
jlittle@strongholdind.com
Taylor, Cotton & Ridley Inc
Phil Phelps, Detention Project Manager
pphelps@taylorcottonridley.com
The Pauly Jail Building Co.
Jared Bailey, Vice President, Operations
jared@paulyjail.com
United Prison Equipment
Marc Smith, President
marcsmith@unitedprison.com
Universal Security Products Inc.
Paul Cahoy, Vice President
pcahoy@universalsecurityproductsinc.com
US Security Systems Inc.
Joe Ames, Vice President
joe@ussecuritysystems.com
CML Security LLC
Tommy Thoene, President
tthoene@cmlsecurity.us
Cornerstone Detention Products Inc.*
Mitch Claborn, President/CEO
mclaborn@cornerstoneinc.com
Corrections Technology Group (CTG)
Kirk Hansen, Director of Sales
kirk@corrtechgroup.com
ESITECH Inc.
Jeff Power, President/CEO
jeff.power@esitechinc.com
Florida Detention Systems Inc.
Joe Castelvecchi, President
joe@floridadetention.com
Montgomery Technology Systems LLC* Nathan Skipper, Vice President of Sales
toby@crowderdetention.com
nathan@montgomerytechnology.com
Sustainable Security Solutions Inc.
Patrick McCracken, President
pmccracken@s3det.com
Unique Security Inc.
Gary Hart, Vice President
ghart@uniquesecurityinc.com
*Includes manufacturing 16 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
SEC & DEC LIST
2025 SEC & DEC List data is submitted by participating firms. WMH Media does not endorse, warrant or make any representation regarding the companies included in this guide in terms of their quality, timeliness, reliability or otherwise.
Number of Regional Offices
Projects Completed Number of in 2025 Employees
Phone
Geographical Area
Headquarters
(920) 748-6603
West, Midwest, South, Northeast, Canada
Ripon, Wis.
75
135
(205) 949-9928
West, Midwest, South, Northeast
Irondale, Ala.
12
64
(425) 941-4188
West
Renton, Wash.
32
15
(256) 898-3721
Midwest
Decatur, Ala.
24
40
(267) 436-2272
West, Midwest, South, Northeast
North Wales, Pa.
26
12
(317) 727-6540
Midwest
Urbana, Ohio
(510) 783-4200
West
Hayward, Calif.
(409) 310-3400
West, Midwest, South, Northeast, Canada
Galveston, Texas
(850) 279-3257
Midwest, South
Freeport, Fla.
(916) 900-6593
West, Midwest, South, Northeast
Incline Village, Nev.
(262) 886-1077
Midwest
(352) 378-1608
4 39
16
30
127
17
13
113
30
Racine, Wis.
30
19
South
Gainesville, Fla.
2
30
(317) 580-0833
West, Midwest, South
Noblesville, Ind.
32
85
(215) 234-4633
Northeast
Green Lane, Pa.
1
8
8
(510) 785-8222
West
Newcastle, Calif.
2
6
12
(334) 273-8778
Midwest, South
Opelika, Ala.
24
7
(720) 466-3650
West, Midwest, South, Northeast
Broomfield, Colo.
6
70
350
(256) 560-4203
West, Midwest, South, Northeast, Canada
Tanner, Ala.
6
32
401
(509) 981-2847
West, Midwest
Spokane, Wash.
17
30
(804) 672-3223
Midwest, South, Northeast
Richmond, Va.
24
21
(352) 533-5498
West, Midwest, South
Melrose, Fla.
13
49
(800) 392-8292
West, South
Greenville, Ala.
21
100
(210) 714-3015
South
San Antonio
24
22
(334) 239-8343
Midwest, South, Northeast
Montgomery, Ala.
4
15
3
2
1
www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 17
SEC & DEC REPORT
SEC and DEC Perspectives Provide a Barometer of Industry Health By Kat Balster For the first time, Correctional News is combining the annual Security Electronics Contractor (SEC) and Detention Equipment Contractor (DEC) lists, recognizing that many leading firms operate across both scopes. These firms are often deeply connected to corrections-focused manufacturing and offer a nationwide view of project trends, labor availability and the state of infrastructure. To capture a reflection of the current market, Correctional News reached out to SEC and DEC leaders for feedback. Using a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the highest level) respondents rated their confidence on key industry topics: labor availability, manufacturing capability, forecasted growth, workload composition and market scale. Their views are summarized in the following report and provide a snapshot of the 2025 SEC/DEC market and what’s to come.
CONFIDENCE LEVEL ...in the availability of skilled labor to successfully complete anticipated projects?
...that there is adequate manufacturing capability to fulfill the needs of anticipated projects?
6.8
...in continued growth (in terms of size, scope and number) of projects over the next 12 months?
7
7.7
Labor Availability: Pressures Mount
Manufacturing Capability: Cautious Optimism AVERAGE CONFIDENCE SCORE: 7/10
AVERAGE CONFIDENCE SCORE: 7.7/10
The availability of skilled labor is a top concern. Confidence levels vary from a high of 9/10 to a low of 4/10. Most respondents acknowledged increasing pressure. Firms like CML Security and Cornerstone Detention— which employ 350 and 405 workers, respectively—are among the largest labor forces in the SEC/DEC industry. Cornerstone is currently developing an in-house academy to train new hires and provide continuing education to existing staff. Meanwhile, CML is leveraging union partnerships to identify and develop high-potential recruits, preparing them for leadership roles. As experienced workers retire at a faster rate than new talent is entering the field, firms are also investing in methods to reduce labor intensity and streamline the construction process.
Confidence in manufacturing capacity was slightly stronger among respondents, with several firms rating their outlook a perfect 10. Those with integrated manufacturing capabilities expressed robust confidence. However, concerns remain over supply-chain reliability and shifting product availability. “Investments made by all manufacturers over the last 5-7 years is so significant, the modernization from the manufacturing side is phenomenal. There are more manufacturers with better equipment than before to meet the demand,” said Buddy Johns, president of ModCorr | MSP. The previous DEC report provided a timeline of market consolidation and subsequent turmoil. Most respondents feel those disruptions are beginning to stabilize. Now, the concerns that surround manufacturing are related to the upcoming volume of work and preparation for that capacity.
Confidence in market growth over the next 12 months is high, with many of the top firms rating their confidence a 9 or 10. This optimism is backed by a surge in both new construction and infrastructure upgrades. “There are many large projects...yet to be awarded with many more large facilities planned,” said Mitch Claborn, president and CEO of Cornerstone Detention Products Inc. “Less dollars are being set aside for new construction and more...on existing infrastructure,” added Craig Englebrecht, vice president, LONG. However, this high level of confidence underscores concerns in other areas. Firms are acutely aware that sustained growth depends on addressing labor and supplychain bottlenecks. Even with funding delays, demand for maintenance, retrofits and upgrades remains constant—an essential factor in keeping aging facilities operational.
Southern Folger Contracting Inc. Crowder Detention Inc. LONG Building Technologies Inc. Cornerstone Detention Products Inc. Corrections Technology Group (CTG) CML Security LLC ESITECH Inc. South Western Communications United Prison Equipment
Sustainable Security Solutions Inc. Noah Detention Construction Universal Security Products Inc. Scope of Work:
16% 15% 10% 10% 8% 5% 5%
84% 85% 90% 90% 92% 95% 95%
SEC
DEC
SEC & DEC
Project values more than $500,000
SEC/DEC MARKET REVENUE SNAPSHOT
$ 1.1-5M
$ 5.1-15M
$ 0-1M
$ 100.1-$150M
8.7% 4.3% %
.4 17 $ 75.1-100M
%
Montgomery Technology Systems LLC
25% 25% 25% 20% 20%
60% 75% 75% 75% 80% 80%
Reflects a highly active market
.4 30
American Corrections Maintenance
45% 50%
Active Projects
% 13
Unique Security Inc.
55% 50% 40%
CONSTRUCTION
Projects Completed in 2024
.1%
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
597
589
SERVICE/MAINTENANCE V. NEW CONSTRUCTION Surveyed firms provided what percentage of their work is service and maintenance and what percentage is new construction. Measured by project value.
Growth Forecast: Strong Outlook
26
AVERAGE CONFIDENCE SCORE: 6.8/10
$ 15.1-25M
Firms could choose to respond to questions about their total revenue in 2024. This graph shows the percentage of responding firms that reported revenue in a given level. This includes both SEC and DEC revenue. Only 4.3% of surveyed firms reported $100 million to $150 million in revenue, whereas 30.4% reported revenue in the $15 million to $25 milllion range.
2025 SEC/DEC data is submitted by participating firms. WMH Media does not endorse, warrant or make any representation regarding the companies included in this guide in terms of their quality, timeliness, reliability or otherwise.
Resilient but Stretched SEC and DEC firms operate in a market filled with opportunity but challenged by labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. The overall outlook is cautiously optimistic, with growth anticipated in both new construction and service/retrofit work. However, solving the skilled labor shortage remains a top priority to sustain momentum and meet the growing national demand in correctional facility construction. 18 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
ON LOCATION
Attendees at the NCCHC Spring Conference on Correctional Health Care connected and learned with industry peers | Photo Credit (all): NCCHC
Setting the Pace in Correctional Healthcare Reflections from the 2025 NCCHC Spring Conference By Kat Balster Each spring, leaders from across the spectrum of correctional healthcare gather to share innovations, elevate care standards and nurture professional connections—and this year’s National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Spring Conference in Louisville, Ky. was no exception. As a media partner of NCCHC, Correctional News attended the conference, talking with industry professionals in the busy exhibit hall, absorbing new insights in educational sessions and attending experiential learning opportunities such as a jail tour. Throughout the event, attendees were exposed to both innovation and inspiration and left with new tools to bring back to their facilities.
reentry. The updates to the MAT guidelines underscore NCCHC’s push to remove barriers and promote recovery as part of standard healthcare in corrections.
Resilience, Relationships and Reintegration
Sessions covered diverse topics, but several overarching themes emerged. Attendees explored how the arts can foster healing, with one session highlighting a mural and journaling project in a Massachusetts jail that helped more than 100 women process trauma and gain confidence. Others focused on building bridges between parole agencies and behavioral health systems to keep people in the community, not behind bars. Another popular topic A Welcoming was reentry support. Community of From peer mentorship in Harris County to Professionals behavioral health Held April 5–8, and parole linkages the NCCHC Spring in Massachusetts, Conference on presentations Corey Spicklor (left) of Michigan DOC and Correctional Health Care underscored the David Dawdy of TBD Solutions present on how to brought together more than importance of continuity transform relationships with difficult patients. just clinical professionals. and connection for reducing The crowd included medical recidivism. Several sessions also directors, correctional officers, mental tackled the need for trauma-informed health providers, administrators, researchers training of staff and how to cultivate resilience in and policymakers—underscoring the complex nature of high-stress roles. providing health care in correctional settings. For firstThis sense of connection and purpose was echoed by time attendees, the collaborative energy was apparent. NCCHC CEO Deborah Ross, CCHP. During the sessions, attendees remarked that “At NCCHC, one of the most powerful ways we bring the conference is a space where people are not just our mission to life is by creating meaningful educational learning—they’re connecting with others facing the same opportunities for our correctional healthcare community,” challenges and working toward shared goals.
said Ross. “Our conferences are something special— they’re often the only place where people in this field can early continuing education, connect with peers from across the country and engage in real conversations about the challenges and purpose of this work. Corrections can be a tough and isolating environment, which is exactly why these gatherings matter. Time and again, I hear how much people look forward to them. They leave feeling reenergized, supported and reminded of why this work matters.”
Professional Development and Peer Support Beyond education, the conference prioritized staff wellness and emotional sustainability. Sessions offered strategies to manage compassion fatigue, boundarysetting in high-stress environments and how to process the vicarious trauma that can affect those working in corrections. The commitment to peer support wasn’t limited to the inmates. Many sessions recognized the importance of peer-to-peer learning among staff. One popular takeaway was that connection and empathy, even within strict institutional frameworks, remains among the most powerful tools for correctional professionals.
A Shared Mission The NCCHC conference is more than just a trade show or educational summit: It’s a reminder that, even in the most controlled environments, there is room for compassion, creativity and growth. NCCHC’s commitment to supporting those who care for justice-involved populations remains strong—and the momentum from this year’s event in Louisville promises to impact the industry beyond the conference center.
Collaboration, Innovation and Practical Solutions The conference centered on promoting evidence-based care, encouraging crosssector collaboration and elevating the voices of those on the front lines of correctional health. Educational tracks addressed a wide range of issues, from reentry planning and trauma-informed care to behavioral health partnerships and the evolving role of medication-assisted treatment. NCCHC had recently unveiled updated guidelines on jail-based medical treatment for substance-use disorders, which reflect changes in clinical best practices and regulatory requirements. Now referred to as medicationassisted treatment (MAT), the standards promote expanded access to methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, while advocating for normalized delivery models. Presenters emphasized the critical role that correctional facilities play in reducing overdose deaths, especially in the weeks following release. A standout session from Delaware’s Department of Correction explored how fully integrating MAT into regular med passes has improved care access and eliminated logistical bottlenecks. Others, like New York-based Ophelia Health, shared success stories of telehealth-based MAT programs that help to provide continuity of treatment through
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www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 19
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Mile High City to Host Largest Congress of Correction Event to Date The American Correctional Association’s 155th gathering will be held Aug. 21-26 in Denver A record crowd is expected to converge on the Mile High City for an informative and educational week of workshops, summits, plenary sessions and networking. This year’s Congress will feature a number of special events that explore key topics of interest for correctional professionals. ACA will debut a Tactical Summit with a Learning Lab, featuring dynamic, interactive demonstrations of tactical operations, strategies, technology, safety and operational equipment along with tactical simulations. The Tactical Symposium will feature a Leaders’ Panel with tactical commanders and operational leaders, along with Exemplary Practices presentations on topics such as crisis planning and prevention; crisis response, crisis negotiation and de-escalation; tactical team leadership, training and operations; and safety, security and wellness. The popular Evolving Spaces Symposium will be updated especially for Denver. Keynote speaker Robin Timme, Psy.D., ABPP (Forensic), CCHP-A, will kick off a daylong program that includes a moderated directors’ panel on improvement strategies. Featured sessions will include “Auditing Your Facility for Opportunity: Making Existing Facilities Safer” as well as “Space Utilization within Existing Facilities” and “Lighting: Daylighting Opportunities and Impact.” Additionally, the event will include a series of lightning talks featuring agencies with proven implementation of successful solutions. Correctional healthcare remains a key topic at the Congress of Correction. In Denver, a Health Care Innovations showcase with special speakers and presentations will highlight the latest in healthcare technologies and procedures. The Health Care Reception will bring together professionals from across the country for an important networking opportunity, and the catered Health Care Luncheon will feature a top-tier keynote speaker. The Exhibit Hall is a crucial part of the Congress of Correction experience. This year, it is expected to attract more than 300 exhibitors from all sectors of corrections, including suppliers, service providers and educators. Some exhibitors will be showing their products in a Demo Lounge, offering attendees hands-on experience with the latest correctional technology. Attendees always look forward to the General Session, where thousands of correctional professionals are treated to an exciting and thought-provoking keynote speaker and celebrate top correctional professionals with special honors. One evening will culminate with the E.R.
Cass Award Banquet. This year, two deserving awardees will be honored: Annette Chambers-Smith of Ohio and Bryan Collier of Texas. Chambers-Smith is the director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and Collier currently serves as the executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Rounding out the Congress will be the Corrections Global Faith Conference. This two-day event will explore
the role of faith-based programming in corrections, featuring presentations on chaplaincy, community partnerships, mentorship models and the impact of such programs—from in-facility through reentry. ACA anticipates a record turnout in Denver this August. With hundreds of accreditation hearings, workshops and special events, it promises to be an event not to be missed.
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FACILITY OF THE MONTH
The South Housing Unit features muted colors and flexible furnishings to foster a therapeutic atmosphere focused on rehabilitation.
From ‘The Farm’ to the Future Orange County’s James A. Musick Facility represents a scalable, secure and sustainable model for 21st-century corrections By Kat Balster
T
ucked into 45 acres near Irvine and Lake Forest, the newly completed James A. Musick Facility in Orange County, Calif., marks the county’s largest single public-safety construction project to date, designed to support future expansion and justice reform. Originally nicknamed “The Farm” for its agricultural roots and low-security past, the facility now stands as a 324,000-square-foot, 896-bed complex with a focus on rehabilitation, mental health and secure, humane incarceration. The $290 milion facility includes two housing buildings, and administrative center and support structures such as a maintenance warehouse and central plant. Omaha, Neb.-based HDR served as the project architect and San Fernando, Calif.-based Bernards Brothers as the general contractor., Funded by AB 900, SB 1022 and county resources, the project enhances local public safety infrastructure while reinforcing the county’s emphasis on innovation in criminal justice.
Transforming a Site, Shaping a Community The project’s significance goes beyond numbers. For the county, which
battled overcrowding and outdated temporary structures on the 100-acre site, this renewed and reimagined Musick facility represents a hard-fought win for the sheriff’s department. The previous version of the facility was a patchwork of trailers and tents that were installed in the 1980s as a temporary solution for overcrowding but lingered for decades. Greg Yi, senior project manager for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OSCD), recalls the challenge of transforming that legacy. “We were dealing with facilities well past their lifespan,” Yi said. “What we needed was a long-term solution that responded to the needs of our evolving jail population— and that’s what this project became.” Yi also noted that community pushback in the form of lawsuits from a nearby city contributed to a delay of the project for nearly a decade. Despite this resistance, the team was able to demonstrate how a rehabilitation-focused, low-profile design could coexist with surrounding suburban development. For example, HDR used limestone cladding, updated landscaping and low-profile fencing on the exterior to present a civic image rather than a punitive one. “It looks more like a college campus than a jail,” said Mike Brenchley, justice principal for HDR.
A Unique Role for HDR HDR entered the project during a critical transition. After parting ways with the original architect, the
The newly completed James A. Musick Correctional Facility spans 324,000 square feet across five structures on 45 acres in Orange County, Calif. Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of HDR © 2024 Kim Rodgers 22 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
FACILITY OF THE MONTH county turned to HDR because of the company’s longstanding relationship with the county and its corrections expertise. “This is one of the most challenging types of projects to take on,” said Brenchley. “We didn’t start with a blank slate. We inherited a set of documents, and then we touched over 5,000 items—code updates, owner-requested revisions, constructability adjustments—every corner of the project was evaluated.” HDR’s team worked closely with the contractor and county to reconfigure the design, notably elevating the visual quality of both the interior and exterior. Changes included upgraded ceiling heights, enhanced staff areas, acoustical murals and additional strategies to incorporate natural light. Among the most complex adjustments was a full redesign of the smoke management system mid-construction—an effort that required reengineering in real time without disrupting site progress.
A Department That Builds From Within One unique factor in the project’s success was the OCSD’s in-house Facilities Planning division. Unlike most law enforcement agencies, OCSD maintains its own internal project management office staffed by professionals with backgrounds in architecture, engineering and skilled trades. “This internal PMO structure is rare,” said Yi. “It allowed us to manage project scopes and expectations more directly, contributing to efficiency and accountability.” Kevin Yang, an OCSD staff architect, played a critical role in the design, with his stamp appearing on a majority of the facility’s architectural drawings. The department’s proactive model has drawn attention from other jurisdictions, including Riverside County, which recently established a similar internal office based on OCSD’s example.
Outdoor recreation spaces incorporate natural light and secure sightlines to support mental health and reduce inmate stress.
Designing for Rehabilitation, Not Just Incarceration The facility’s core philosophy—direct supervision and service delivery within housing units—shaped every architectural choice. Each housing pod contains its own dedicated officers and embedded programming. Services such as meals, visitation, and counseling are brought to
“This is more than just a facility—it’s a reflection of where the county is headed. It shows what’s possible when you prioritize people, process and partnership.”- Greg Yi the housing units, reducing inmate movement and enhancing out-of-cell time. Acoustic murals depicting California coastlines and mountains are printed on sound-dampening panels in dayrooms. These large-scale graphics were a technical and creative achievement, produced in
collaboration with the product manufacturer and HDR’s design team. Furniture selections also reflect a shift toward normalization. Rather than stainless steel fixtures, HDR specified movable, soft-edged furnishings in muted colors, reinforcing a therapeutic environment.
Balancing Supervision and Safety While the facility emphasizes direct supervision—placing correctional officers within each housing unit to foster positive interaction and early intervention—the design also incorporates hybrid supervision strategies to ensure operational flexibility and safety. “The goal was to strike a balance between visibility, engagement and safety,” said Swapnil Ukey, project manager at HDR. “Certain areas, such as intake, medical and administrative corridors, utilize indirect or remote supervision, allowing staff to monitor multiple areas with efficiency while preserving the direct-engagement model where it matters most.” Architectural elements support this hybrid approach through a combination of clear sightlines, glass partitions, secure control points and strategically placed staff stations. Open dayrooms paired with secure observation rooms ensure safety is maintained without compromising the rehabilitative atmosphere.
Built to Last—and to Evolve As Bernards described in a project summary, the facility was designed for long-term performance. Each building was constructed using steel, concrete and reinforced masonry, with exteriors featuring Indiana limestone and formed-metal panels. The interiors include polished concrete, terrazzo flooring and wood accents. The expansion also incorporated future-ready infrastructure. Internal roadways were realigned, and essential utilities such as gas, water, power, and communications were upgraded to support both current operations and future phases. This strategic groundwork allows for expansion to house up to 6,604 additional inmates in the future, if needed. Additionally, an extensive underground tunnel system that connects key buildings across the site enabling secure movement of staff, supplies and services without disrupting ground-level operations. According to Bernards, the tunnel was designed with scalability in mind—allowing for future expansion phases to integrate seamlessly without major structural overhauls. “The tunnel isn’t just a logistical benefit—it’s a strategic investment,” said Ukey. “It supports future housing additions, medical expansion, or facility adjustments while maintaining safety and operational continuity.” www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 23
FACILITY OF THE MONTH
A central control room for the north housing unit supports indirect supervision and security monitoring, complementing the direct-supervision model within housing units.
PROJECT DATA: Project Name: James A. Musick Facility Jail Expansion Location: Irvine, Calif. Square Footage: 324,000 square feet Total Project Cost: $290 million Bed Count: 896 Project Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build Cell Construction Type: Fully Grouted CMU Owner: Orange County Sheriff’s Department Architect of Record: AECOM (design), HDR (construction/closeout) Owner’s Representative: Vanir Construction Management General Contractor: Bernards Brothers Inc. Detention Equipment Contractor: CML Security Electronic Security Design Consultant: HDR Food Service and Laundry Design: S1 Food Design Site and Civil Engineer: HDR Security Electronics Contractor: CML Security
PRODUCT DATA: Chopper Pumps: Salvajor Ventilators: Halton Steam Kettles: Legion Walk-In Coolers/Freezers: Imperial Brown Refrigeration: Omnitemp Refrigeration Ovens: Baxtor Detention Accessories: Viking Security Systems: Hewlett-Packard Touchscreen System: Aveva Intercom: Harding Security Glazing: Global Security Glazing Security Windows: Global Security Glazing Security Cell Doors: Trussbuilt Security Fencing: Tymetal Security Locks: Southern Folger Security Penal Plumbing: Acorn Security Sprinkler Equipment: Tyco Smoke Detection Systems: Honeywell Weapons Detection System: Tek84 Intercept Concrete: National Ready Mixed Concrete Company Exterior Finish: Indiana Limestone Roofing: Henry Floor/Wall Tile: Daltile and Crossville Security Ceiling System: Southern Folger Doors: VT Industries Plumbing: Cemline Corporation HVAC: Nortek Air Solutions Temtrol Security Cell Lighting: Lithonia 24 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
A Collaborative, High-Stakes Effort One of the earliest and most unexpected challenges during construction was site preparation. The James A. Musick Facility is situated on land that required significant grading and soil import to meet engineering requirements. “We had to bring in a tremendous amount of infill to balance the site,” said Brenchley. “And finding the right quality of soil in Southern California—especially during the timeline we were working under—was extremely difficult.” The scarcity of suitable soil delayed early mobilization and required extensive coordination between the design team, contractor and the county. Yi credited the sheriff’s department’s internal team with ultimately identifying viable sources and keeping the project on track. “It took a lot of cooperation to solve what was essentially a massive logistics and environmental hurdle before construction could even begin,” he said. The complexity of the project—and its compressed timeline due to state funding deadlines—necessitated team coordination. “Partnering was key,” said Brenchley. “We had executive team meetings every month, with surveys, feedback loops and joint problem-solving. That helped us stay aligned when tensions inevitably rose.” Vanir served as construction manager, providing oversight on budgeting, procurement, inspections and risk management throughout the five-year build. Despite pandemic disruptions, site infill challenges, and design turnover, the team delivered the facility on time and within budget.
Recognition and Looking Forward The James A. Musick Facility was named Best Regional Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter in 2024. According to Bernards, the award reflects both the project’s complexity and its contribution to regional quality of life. “This is more than just a facility—it’s a reflection of where the county is headed,” said Yi. “It shows what’s possible when you prioritize people, process and partnership.”
Dedicated space for staff training supports OCSD’s direct-supervision model and ensures continuous professional development.
TECHNOLOGY
Leveraging Technology for Life-Saving Insight
With clinical expertise and scalable technology, Falcon Technologies aims to transform suicide risk assessment across corrections
The Premier MOgul Security | Reliability | Strength | Expansive
Maximum+ • UL 437 and ASTM 1577 rated make it entirely corrections specific. Unlike standard In a field where minutes can mean • High security dual locking risk assessment tools, the mechanism for added the difference between life and company has built protection and reliability death, Falcon Technologies its solution with is introducing a bold, data from more • Compatible with most US detention data-driven approach manufacturer locksets than 30,000 to one of corrections’ individuals most persistent • Moguls can be integrated into a from a major challenges: suicide master key system for entire facility midwest prevention. urban • Patent protects keys against Impact resistant/ Launched county. This unauthorized duplication maximum durability from the wellcorrectionsestablished • Lifetime warranty against key breakage focused consulting foundation practice of Falcon means the Inc., Falcon Tech solutions such as augmented and virtual reality approach Learn more about ASSA cylinders Technologies was are used to train staff for a variety of scenarios, can identify created to scale the preparing them to respond to the www.assalock.com risk factors company’s clinical incarcerated population. that are unique and operational Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of to incarcerated excellence using Falcon Technologies populations. Its transformative pilots are designed to validate the tool using each Identifier Model flags any risk of suicidality, while technology. Its first jursidiction’s historical data, fine-tune the model for local the Severity Model scores that risk on a granular scale innovation is a predictive suicide-risk conditions and minimize operational disruption. from 0 to 5, allowing for targeted interventions rather assessment tool designed specifically for correctional “It’s not plug-and-play,” said Van der Hoop. “We than a one-size-fits-all approach. environments. By Kat Balster
“This isn’t just another screening checklist,” said Julie Van der Hoop, lead product manager for Falcon Technologies. “We’ve built a structured, professional judgment tool backed by artificial intelligence that offers far greater accuracy than existing methods.”
“Take clinical and operational excellence. Merge it with transformative technology. That’s how you get next-level outcomes.” - Elizabeth Falcon, Psy.D.
A Tool Born From Experience The origin of Falcon Technologies stems from years of direct consulting in jails and prisons across the United States. “We kept running into the same pain points,” explained Elizabeth Falcon, Psy.D., CCHP-MH, founder and CEO of Falcon Inc. “Our teams could only be in one place at a time, and so many systems were asking for the same kind of help.” Those recurring challenges, together with a growing demand for scalable solutions, led Falcon’s leadership— experts with more than three decades in clinical and administrative corrections work—to rethink delivery. The result is a product that merges human insight Falcon Technologies has leveraged its with mental health consulting expertise into machine a technological solution for learning to evaluating suicide risk in identify and incarcerated populations. prevent suicide in custody.
What Makes It Different? Falcon’s approach to suicide prevention tools is to
partner closely with each site to Where traditional screening tools like the Columbia understand their workflows and Suicide Severity Rating Scale rely heavily on adapt the system accordingly. self-reporting, Falcon’s model takes a much We want this to be an more comprehensive approach. It balances enhancement, not a self-disclosures with clinical observations burden.” and historical data, recognizing that about 30-40% of inmates won’t admit to suicidal thoughts. The system Vision for the can still function effectively when a Future person refuses to answer—drawing While the insight from observable behaviors, suicide-prevention documented patterns and even framework is the facility data to identify risk even company’s first when individuals are unwilling or product, Falcon unable to self-report. Falcon Technologies is providing a Technologies has “Our model has a sensitivity transformative option for facilities to assess risk broader ambitions. rating of over 95% and a specificity in the general population and to provide the Plans are already rating above 90%,” said Van der best care and resources for inmates underway to expand Hoop. “That’s far beyond the 60-70% who are struggling with Falcon’s predictive accuracy of clinicians using traditional their mental health. framework into other assessment tools.” corrections and public safety Recent validation results speak pain points. Additionally, plans are also to the potential. in testing with cases that were missed underway to expand into immersive training tools using by standard procedures, the tool identified 15 of 20 augmented and virtual reality. individuals who died by suicide while not on safety “This tool is just the beginning,” said Van der Hoop. watch—detecting real risk that current assessments are “It’s a statement about what’s possible when technology missing entirely. By functioning as a decision support serves people—not the other way around.” tool, the clinician remains the decision-maker but now has data driven insights that detect patterns a human alone might miss.
Pilot Testing and Customization Currently, Falcon Technologies is conducting sixmonth pilot programs with select jurisdictions. These
Scan the QR code to learn more about Falcon Techologies
www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 25
PRECAST CONCRETE CELLS With the strategic acquisition of ACM’s Precast Division by ModCorr, we’re redefining what’s possible in correctional facility construction. Our recent success, demonstrated by major contract awards, stands as proof: Module design approved, forms procured, and casting underway in under 7 months 246 modules cast and delivered on time in under 12 months from design approval Seamless integration of design, manufacturing, and logistics—all executed with precision This is more than project delivery—it’s mission delivery. At ModCorr, we blend innovation with proven performance to meet the demands of today’s secure facility projects. Our acquisition of ACM strengthens our foundation, expanding our technical capabilities and enabling us to serve clients across more regions with greater speed, efficiency, and confidence.
modcorr.com
MIKE ARTMAN
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - PRECAST DIVISION
With the strength of our team, the backing of ModCorr, and a proven track record, ModCorr Precast stands ready to lead the future of detention facility construction.
CORY PATERSON
VICE PRESIDENT OF PRECAST OPERATIONS
This unification brings together two industry leaders with a shared focus on quality, security, and innovation. With the acquisition of ACM’s Precast Division, ModCorr now offers the nation’s most experienced team in precast concrete detention modules. Our combined expertise— from engineering and production to on-site delivery—positions us to build smarter, more efficient correctional facilities nationwide.
PREFABRICATED STEEL BUILDINGS Our revolutionary facility solutions ensure efficient construction while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. ModCorr’s prefabricated steel buildings represent a significant advancement in the construction of detention facilities with compelling advantages such as speed of construction, costeffectiveness, and long-term durability. These modularly-built units provide the same detention-grade products and materials as their site-built counterparts. The versatility of this method allows for the creation of specifically tailored and configurable architectural components specific to the needs of a facility. The nature of our products enable them to be easily customizable in order to create efficient layout possibilities that suit the specific design requirements of the detention center. Our approach to facility creation leverages the controlled conditions of a factory setting overseen by industry experts to ensure that all external factors maintain a high degree of control and consistency. ModCorr’s streamlined production workflow ensures consistent quality control over every unit produced, facilitates the efficient integration of various components, and produces a turnkey, state-of-the-art facility.
BEN CROOKS
VICE PRESIDENT OF MODULAR OPERATIONS
As the demands for correctional infrastructure and the need to address specialized population subgroups increases, ModCorr’s prefabricated building systems are the solution to maintaining correctional standards while significantly reducing project timelines.
DAVE SHINN
MODCORR VICE PRESIDENT
What distinguishes ModCorr is our capacity to customize each unit according to your facility’s specific needs, providing flexible solutions to meet and enhance the security of your existing facility. Our modules are constructed to precise standards in a highly controlled setting, ensuring the exceptional quality, safety, and precision you can depend on from start to finish. Our modern approach accelerates project timelines and allows you to augment an existing facility while minimizing additional staffing demands.
modcorr.com
SEC & DEC TRENDS
Each WLS-1520 is machined, assembled and tested in-house—ensuring quality from the start. Photo Credit: Willoughby Locking Systems
Unlocking the Future: Trends in Detention Equipment and Security Electronics
From locks to lighting and modular controls, collaboration is fueling the next wave of correctional innovation By Kat Balster In an industry long characterized by incremental updates and legacy manufacturers, detention equipment and security electronics is entering an era of innovation.
From locks to modular controls and integrated electronics, today’s projects demand smarter, more adaptable solutions that prioritize durability, efficiency and operational flexibility. Industry innovators like Willoughby Industries are challenging the status quo with fresh engineering in mechanical systems, while leaders like Accurate Controls are rethinking what’s possible in security electronics—introducing modular integration, advanced lighting and environmental control. Meanwhile, specialists are reexamining materials and system design to meet the needs of nextgeneration correctional facilities. Together, these shifts signal a broadening perspective of what modernization means—and the teamwork it takes to deliver it.
The Evolution of Locks and Hardware in Corrections
PROBLEMS? R&N’s experienced Team designs innovative solutions to solve security and communication problems for Justice Facilities.
Contact Frank Niedzwiedz. frankn@rnsystemsdesign.com 901-634-0740 rnsystemsdesign.com
28 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
For much of the past 40 years, mechanical detention locks saw little change beyond straightforward manufacturing improvements. Galvanized-steel, manual keying and largeformat hardware dominated the market, largely unchallenged. However, the landscape has evolved. Facilities today must accommodate not only traditional high-security housing but also specialized units for mental health, medical isolation and educational programs. These different operational modes place new demands on locks and doors—including faster response capabilities, lighter weight for quicker installation and materials that resist corrosion in more varied environments. At the same time, advances in electronics—such as modular control systems, integrated audio and customizable lighting—are driving a more holistic approach to how hardware and technology work together. “Security is not the only thing to consider,” said Tammie Rodgers, senior detention specialist at Memphis, Tenn.-based R&N Systems Design. “We also need to support a facility’s ability to function dynamically without needing a different lock function or hardware set for every situation.”
Trends Driving Hardware Simplification Historically, detention projects often specified up to 17 distinct hardware groups, each tailored to different needs across intake, housing, segregation and administration. That complexity created costly maintenance challenges—from sourcing specialized parts to training staff on rarely used locksets. Today, simplification is a clear trend. Most new builds now aim to standardize just four to six hardware groups—a shift that reduces lifecycle costs and accelerates maintenance. “Simplifying what was once overly complicated not only reduces installation errors, it also means fewer headaches for maintenance and more uptime for housing units,” Rodgers said. This drive toward hardware standardization is also shaping retrofit projects. By designing locks that fit into existing pockets without major structural changes, manufacturers are helping owners modernize more quickly and cost-effectively.
Hardware in a Crowded Field As correctional facilities demand more flexible, efficient and durable security hardware, the detention lock market is beginning to see transformation. Innovation is no longer limited to tweaks and retrofits; manufacturers are rethinking foundational aspects of lock design, materials and production methods. Among companies on the edge of innovation is Indiana-based Willoughby Industries, long known for stainless-steel plumbing fixtures and electronic water management systems in corrections. In 2023, the company entered the detention-lock market, leveraging its in-house expertise to launch a stainless-steel lock line and founded Willoughby Locking Systems, a division focusing exclusively on detention hardware. “We were already doing the machining, the welding, and the casting,” said Will Alderson, president and fourth-generation co-owner of Willoughby. “What surprised us was how little innovation the lock space had seen. We saw an opportunity, and we acted.” Unlike traditional offerings made from mild and galvanized steel, Willoughby’s locks use stainless steel, providing enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. The vertically integrated process allowed the team to go from concept to ASTM-certified products in months, a rare pace in the traditionally slow-moving market. Listening closely to installer feedback, Willoughby redesigned lock internals to address pain points like misaligned wiring whips and weak stress points on legacy models. Willoughby isn’t alone in responding to market needs. Across the sector, there is a growing emphasis on standardization, retrofit compatibility and user-driven design. Manufacturers are simplifying hardware packages to reduce stock keeping units (SKUs), improve install accuracy and streamline training for staff. Installers and designers are seeing increasing interest in compact widejamb locksets and multipurpose hardware groupings that make long-term operations more manageable. “It’s about creating products that solve real problems in the field—not just filling out a spec sheet,” Alderson said. “This isn’t just about making a new lock. It’s about creating a new standard.”
Smarter Systems, Safer Cells: Innovation in Security Electronics While the physical strength of doors and locks remains foundational to correctional safety, modern facilities increasingly rely on electronic systems to drive flexibility, staff efficiency and resident wellness. Ripon, Wis.-based Accurate Controls, a 35-year industry leader, has been at the forefront of rethinking how integrated electronics can support safer, smarter environments. At the heart of Accurate’s innovation is its Modular Control System—developed in collaboration with partners like SteelCell North America—which enables security electronics to be factory-installed within cells. This reduces field labor, shortens installation time and improves overall quality control. The system has been deployed in more than 7,500 cells to date, generating significant cost savings while improving coordination across trades. For trauma-informed housing units, Accurate has also engineered factory-integrated IP audio, circadian lighting and touchscreen interfaces that support a calming, customizable environment. Residents can control light temperature, light dimming levels, access sound-masking options, and receive real-time cues such as date and temperature all through secure, embedded systems.
SEC & DEC TRENDS Beyond comfort, Accurate is advancing safety with technology such as non-camera “room radar” sensors for occupancy detection and intuitive, multi-touch graphical staff interfaces that streamline alarm management and reduce false positives. These systems improve outcomes and reduce the cognitive load on correctional staff in demanding environments. “When people bring us a problem, we build what doesn’t exist yet,” said TJ Rogers of Accurate Controls. “We don’t just respond to specs—we create solutions.” In today’s correctional landscape, solutions are less about individual components and more about integrated performance. Innovation in detention is now systemwide.
systems to Accurate Controls’ modular electronics and environmental technologies, the project reflects a unified effort to build not just a secure facility, but a smarter one. Each innovation was engineered for performance and designed as part of a larger system—one that prioritizes efficiency, wellbeing and long-term adaptability.
Broader Industry Outlook As correctional facilities grow more complex—and the expectations placed on them more demanding— detention equipment is no longer just a collection of standalone components, but an ecosystem, where locks, electronics, lighting, controls and user interfaces must
function as an integrated whole. Manufacturers and system designers are responding with solutions that are smarter more durable and more adaptable. The reaction to recent innovations has been positive—not just because they introduce new products or technologies, but because they demonstrate what’s possible when the industry works together. “We’re not just reacting to what’s in the plans; we’re asking the bigger questions,” said TJ Rogers of Accurate Controls. “What do people need? What should this system do? That’s where innovation starts.”
Innovation Through Integration The innovation unfolding at the new Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility isn’t the result of any single firm or manufacturer. It’s the product of a deeply integrated project team working toward shared goals from the earliest design phases. Rather than separating design and construction into separate scopes, the Indiana Department of Correction adopted a collaborative model that brought together detention equipment contractors, security electronics experts, manufacturers and end users in a unified team approach. Detention, security and manufacturing firms were engaged early, working side by side with architectural partners and facility operators to solve problems before they reached the field. This early coordination allowed manufacturers to influence everything from wall layouts and lock prep to wiring paths and lighting specifications. The design-assist process also helped avoid value-engineering later, ensuring the project delivered what it promised without sacrificing innovation. The result is a facility shaped not only by cutting-edge technology and shared trust. From mechanical locks to modular electronics, integration was both a design goal and the foundation for innovation.
Confidence in a Newcomer Though a new entrant to detention hardware, Willoughby’s decades of correctional expertise—and their selection for Indiana’s $1.2 billion Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility in Westville— demonstrate a rapid rise as a trusted, innovative force in the industry. Across the board, design and construction partners on the Westville project demonstrated a shared confidence in new solutions, embracing innovation through collaboration with manufacturers and contractors alike. Jared Bailey, vice president of operations at The Pauly Jail Building Company, said it wasn’t just Willoughby’s product that stood out—it was their mindset. “They weren’t just another vendor. Willoughby came in asking the right questions and solving real problems,” Bailey said. “They were responsive, innovative and clearly had the infrastructure to back it up.” The new prison in Westville is designed to set new benchmarks for safety, mental health support and long-term operational resilience. Every element of the facility must work in harmony to support dynamic housing models, faster emergency response and reduced maintenance burden. That level of integration only happens when manufacturers, designers, contractors and owners align early and remain agile throughout the process. From Willoughby’s stainless-steel lock www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 29
TRENDSPOTTING
The Third Perimeter
A new edge to correctional facilities By Stephen Carter, AICP In a year-to-date summary prepared by Dedrone—a US-based company that develops counter-drone and counterunmanned aerial system technology— the company noted that approximately 278,000 drone incursions into correctional facilities have occurred already in 2025. Hardly a conference or a design workshop convenes these days without addressing the topic, so much so that it has overtaken the discussion of cell phone blocking. The two topics, however, are closely related: Both rely on “jamming” technologies and, thus, the federal government.
Edges and the Image of a Prison Most architects are familiar with the work of Kevin Lynch, who wrote a book titled “The Image of a City” in which he outlined the five defining characteristics
of a city: paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks. When the book was first published in 1960, I was just starting architectural school and was not familiar with it. By the time I finished urban design graduate school in 1970, I would not leave home without it. It doesn’t take much imagination to transfer the image of a city to a contemporary correctional facility. All five characteristics are easily represented in a prison. I am certain that Lynch did not have prisons in mind when developing his five characteristics of a city—and I am sure that most prisoner planners and designers don’t consciously think of edges, nodes and districts—yet that is how a prison is organized. One of those characteristics, edges (or in the case of prisons, the perimeter), is certainly a boundary requiring a high level of investment to ensure effectiveness.
1000
The Third Dimension: Upward Vulnerability What we haven’t given as much thought and innovation to is the idea that now the perimeter must be threedimensional—and the third dimension isn’t just a twelve-foot-high fence. It’s the sky. According to Chris Teale’s article, “Prisons ‘Under Attack’ from Drones Delivering Contraband,” published in GCN in 2023, drones were first detected in prisons in 2013. Since then, detections have increased exponentially across virtually every state, even as the technology to detect and disable drones has evolved. We are all aware that drone use brings many advantages, from job site inspections to security surveillance and material delivery. Almost hourly, the practical applications for drones expand.
But those same advantages can become disadvantages in the safe operation of a prison. The same drone that delivers a toolbox of essential HVAC tools can also deliver a toolbox of contraband just as expertly placed to the requested drop area.
Sophistication of the Threat Today’s drone operators are not just hobbyists taking pictures of a sporting event—they are often sophisticated gangaffiliated networks that are delivering “orders” hundreds of miles away. For a time in prison planning, we installed helicopter prevention wiring over outdoor recreation yards—a solution that was cumbersome, unsightly and expensive, but overall, effective. Preventative wiring
See Trendspotting, page 44→
OVER
INSTALLATIONS
Continually listed as one of the nation’s top security electronics contractors, Accurate Controls has a long list of successful installations–over 1000 and still counting. Our team is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art security automation systems that are truly non-proprietary— adhering to strict standards for serviceability. At ACI, we operate our business on a philosophy of honesty and integrity and provide 24-hour support after the sale so you can feel confident that your facility is always secure. YOUR EXPERTS IN NON-PROPRIETARY SECURITY SOLUTIONS
accuratecontrols.com | 920.748.6603
www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 31
STANDOUT PRODUCTS
STANDOUTPRODUCTS Put your product in the spotlight by contacting CN at sales@wmhmedia.com
SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT I-CON’s Pro Line I-CON’s new Pro Line is an advanced suite of technologies aimed at improving water efficiency, security and cost-effectiveness in correctional facilities. Central to the lineup is ENVISAGE® Pro, a powerful water-management software offering real-time monitoring, detailed reporting and remote access. It enables precise control over water usage with both wired and wireless connectivity. Complementing this is the NEXUS® Pro Controller, a durable, standalone system that manages fixture runtimes and lockouts. Housed in secure, watertight cases with LED indicators, it integrates easily with existing infrastructure. The TruTOUCH® Pro LED Sensor, made of stainless steel with no moving parts, provides reliable user feedback and diagnostics with more than one million successful activations. Its remote installation flexibility adds to system design versatility. Together, the Pro Line delivers a robust, innovative solution for correctional water management, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance needs. I-CON i-con.com
Drone-Detection Radar
High-Security Fencing
The AR-300 Drone Detection Radar from Magos Systems offers a detection range of more than 300 meters for unmanned aerial vehicles, providing 360-degree coverage within a 300-meter radius using four radars and one pan-tilt-zoom camera. Integrated with Magos’ leading artificial intelligence classification technology, it minimizes false alarms from birds and delivers supreme performance under all weather and lighting conditions. It seamlessly integrates with major security systems via MASS software and is easy to install without specific customizations. Its low power, bandwidth, and size requirements ensure minimal infrastructure needs and cost-effective pricing.
The Rampart 50 from CLD Systems is the ultimate multi-threat protection solution for the highest security sites. The high-security fence system is combined with shallowfoundation hostile-vehicle mitigation (HVM) for unparalleled protection. Rampart 50 has been certified to IWA 14-1:2013 standards, meaning it can stop a 7.5-ton vehicle traveling at 50 miles per hour. Depending on the specific threat level, clients can use any of CLD’s Securus S1, S2, S3 or S4 fence panels with the system. The product is available in short and long runs, with no special posts or fittings needed for corners or direction changes. Black high-density coating is available.
Magos magossystems.com
CLD Systems cld-systems.com
Fingerprinting System
Body Scanner
Fulcrum Biometrics offers comprehensive turn-key systems that encompass all necessary hardware and software for capturing, searching and transmitting fingerprints. The company’s Live Scan solution includes hardware and a flexible software solution that allows for add-on capabilities such as FBI Channeling—which enables clients to create digital fingerprint records and submit those records electronically to the FBI—as well as FbF® LiveScan – SWFT, which allows clients to create digital fingerprint records for Department of Defense contractors and then submit the records electronically as a third-party submitter to Secure Web Fingerprint Transmission. The solution offers the flexibility to enhance service offerings and the company’s engineering team stays one step ahead by working with the various states and agencies as requirements and standards are updated.
Tek84 offers the Intercept, the only Americanmade body scanner that detects both metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons, drugs, cell phones and other contraband. The patented vertical, no-contact scanning technology screens from below the feet to above the head, revealing items under the clothing and within the body. The scanning process takes just 3.8 seconds, and one staff member can screen up to 180 subjects per hour. An FDA-approved thermal camera measures the temperature of each inmate, providing an early indication of COVID-19 and other infections. Additionally, the unit is contained within an ultra-small footprint and requires just a two-hour installation process.
Fulcrum Biometrics fulcrumbiometrics.com 32 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
Tek84 tek84.com SCAN THE QR CODE to get in touch with companies you see in this issue.
MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS
What Keeps Me up at Night: Inmate Tracking Systems By Greg Offner, CCM
Lesson Learned: Prioritize ‘Trackability’
Lesson Learned: Training, Try it, Refine it
I value a restful night, and I’m fairly certain you do, too. But I can tell you truthfully, based on experience: If you don’t have a detailed plan describing exactly how you expect your inmate tracking system to function, you’re going to be counting sheep! Too often, the planning stage is underestimated. A vague or incomplete plan will result in additional costs when you realize the system does not include all the features you expected or wanted. The best approach is to develop and review system requirements with all organizational stakeholders, including senior jail management, transportation officers, prisoner movement staff, intake and release personnel, facilities staff, IT and others. Clearly prioritize the functional requirements of the system and make sure they address the agency’s key security concerns and risks. Bottom line: Whether your electronic monitoring system project is a new installation or an upgrade, a few hard-earned lessons can help you to avoid common pitfalls. And yes, they all come down to one thing: proper planning.
A lesson learned from a relatively new and modern secure juvenile facility: A youngster swiped a card from a social worker and used it to gain entry to staff-only areas—eventually walking out the side door to freedom. Whether you’re using keycards, wristbands or bio-metric tracking, proximity readers can help ensure only those authorized can go into restricted areas. This is a highly desirable function of facial recognition tracking systems.
Determine card colors and designs intentionally. Red, yellow and green cards (like in soccer) can be used to define custody levels. Perhaps select green for staff, white for visitors, etc. Define what relevant information (such as photo, name, cell block, etc.) should appear on the card. Training should be done to ensure everyone recognizes
See Maintenance & Operations, page 44→
Lesson Learned: Define Your Functional Expectations Whether installing a new tracking system or updating an existing one, you will realize the mistakes you can eliminate by starting in the initial design stage. This is where your system’s scope is defined and documented through the listing of functional requirements. These requirements outline things you want the system to perform and, most importantly, document. The documentation should contain statements that reflect how the equipment will provide the needed control and integration for each specific security function. This statement does not specify any electronic equipment; rather, it focuses on what outcomes must be accomplished so the proper system can be selected and programmed.
Lesson Learned: Get Input All the Way Down the Chain of Command As the tracking system evaluation proceeds, it is important to continually assess desired outcomes with all stakeholders. Where you want identification—medical, dining, commissary, courts, even a satellite jail—will drive the software programming. Include all levels of jail security personnel, from officers to unit management. In order for your controlled tracking system to meet expectations, it is the best practice to get top-down agreement. Leadership must fully understand and agree on the functional requirements before seeking input from the rank and file.
Lesson Learned: Choose Leading Edge, Not Bleeding Edge Let’s look at card technology as an example. Most card technology systems use either proximity or contactless smart cards—but not all card technologies are interchangeable unless a costly dual-technology card or reader is used. Consider not just how the tracking control system will function now but also future scalability. Choose wrong and you could be stuck having to make an upgrade sooner than you wish.
Experience MATTERS Multiple technologies supported
3 second event annunciation Granularity to suit your operational needs Visit https://actall.net/demo to learn more. www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 33
TOGETHER WE ARE BETTER.
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Advancements in Video Surveillance and Cloud-Based Technologies Contributed by LONG Building Technologies For prisons and correctional facilities, video surveillance is critical to the safety and security of inmates, staff, and visitors. It is also an important aspect for procedural compliance and enforcement. Video evidence is invaluable in dispute resolution, clarifying misunderstandings, or providing evidence in legal proceedings. The corrections industry has been slow to adopt changes in video surveillance technology for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, budget constraints, perceived biases, and resistance to change. For example, developments in internet protocol (IP) and megapixel camera technology took a long time to be embraced, and even today some facilities have not fully migrated from analog technology. This has impeded the advancement of emerging technologies such as: · AI-Powered Analytics: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing surveillance systems by enabling real-time analysis of video feeds. AI can detect unusual activities and identify potential threats. · Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud technology enhances security by enabling centralized monitoring, real-time threat detection, and automated updates. · Facial and Object Recognition: Surveillance systems can use AI-driven facial recognition and object detection to improve accuracy in identifying individuals and analyzing activities. These capabilities are particularly useful in high-security environments. In the past, these technologies have been slow, ineffective, difficult to deploy and use, and costly to implement, often requiring significant overhauls or replacements that disrupted existing workflows. In addition, these systems relied on physical servers, which took up significant rack space and demanded consistent upkeep. The maintenance could involve anything from hardware repairs to software updates and troubleshooting. Today, technology has advanced significantly as AI software requires far less centralized processing. Edge devices, such as cameras, can now provide enough processing power to allow software to be installed and run directly on the camera. Video Management Systems (VMS) and camera manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to seamlessly integrate these systems into their software. The move away from server to camerabased analytics has reduced the cost of these systems dramatically. These systems are also less expensive to service and maintain. Many people are familiar with facial recognition technology through the Face ID feature used to unlock iPhones. However, this is only one application of the technology. In video surveillance, facial recognition can be used to identify
faces in real time, provide touchless entry into secure areas, and monitor and track people within a facility. In addition, potential threats can be detected and deterred prior to entry. Due to the advancements of today’s video surveillance products, AI systems can be integrated into existing systems with minimum disruptions and are becoming more and more cost-effective. These systems are not meant to replace existing staff but can greatly increase operational efficiencies. Genetec Inc. has been recognized as the global leader in video management software (VMS) by industry analysts Omdia and Novaira Insights. Their innovative approach, including hybrid cloud solutions and open architecture, has solidified their position in the market. Additionally, Genetec integrates facial recognition capabilities into its Security Center software through partnerships with specialized providers like SAFR and Herta. These integrations enhance security infrastructure by offering features such as real-time alerts, live analytics, and seamless video overlays.
Here’s how they work:
SAFR Integration · Live Video Overlays: SAFR provides real-time facial recognition optimized for live video, allowing security personnel to see overlays identifying individuals directly within the Genetec interface. · Alarms and Notifications: Customizable alarms notify security teams when persons of interest are detected, enabling immediate action. · Analytics: SAFR offers live analytics, including traffic volumes, demographic composition, and dwell times, which can be used for further reporting.
Herta Integration · Centralized Management: Herta’s facial recognition tools are integrated with Genetec’s Video Management System, providing a unified platform for managing video surveillance and facial recognition. · Real-Time Alarms: Detection and identification alarms are sent to Genetec Security Center in realtime, with video playback options to review the exact moment of detection. · Automatic Reconnection: Ensures high reliability by periodically checking and automatically reconnecting if the connection is lost.
CyberLink FaceMe® CyberLink FaceMe® also integrates with Genetec Security Center to enhance security and surveillance through advanced facial recognition. Here’s how it works: · Integration with Genetec VMS: FaceMe® Security Console
connects to the Genetec Security Center VMS server. It retrieves IP camera lists, people databases, and door information, and streams RTSP video from Genetec. · Real-Time Facial Recognition: FaceMe® detects and identifies individuals in real-time, even those wearing masks. It matches live captures with profiles in the database and sends real-time alerts to security personnel. · Access Control: When an individual’s face is verified, FaceMe® can send push notifications to Genetec Security Center, allowing or denying entry based on preset permissions. · Enhanced Investigations: FaceMe® Locator plug-in works with Genetec’s Visual Tracking function to search by face. Users can upload an image, crop from recorded or live video, and quickly find all events involving the person of interest. · Custom Actions and Notifications: Users can configure custom actions and alarms in Genetec that respond to recognition events, such as opening doors or triggering security responses.
usage, predict costs, and set budget alerts. Additionally, choosing a pricing model (e.g., pay-as-you-go, reserved instances) that aligns with the facility’s usage patterns can prevent unnecessary expenses.
3. Reliability and Availability: a. Challenge: Prisons rely on their technology infrastructure for critical functions, and any disruption to cloud services can negatively affect operations. b. Solution: Ensuring service-level agreements (SLAs) are in place with cloud providers that guarantee a high level of uptime. Using redundant cloud solutions, such as multi-region deployments and failover strategies, can also ensure higher availability.
4. Interoperability and Flexibility:
These solutions can provide more intelligent and proactive systems, enhancing security and situational awareness. Looking ahead, the trend for video surveillance and AI security is cloudbased services, which can offer scalability, flexibility, and remote accessibility. In addition, Cloud-based video storage can provide a cost-effective, long-term solution working in conjunction with onsite storage. The use of cloud services in prisons, like in other industries, offers significant advantages, but it also requires careful consideration of several obstacles to ensure its successful implementation.
Here’s a deeper look at the key challenges you may face and how they might be addressed:
1. Data Security and Privacy: a. Challenge: Ensuring sensitive data, such as inmate records, is protected from breaches, unauthorized access, and other security threats is critical in a prison environment. b. Solution: Employing robust encryption for data at rest and in transit, using Multi-factor authentication (MFA), and implementing strict access controls. Regular security audits and working with trusted cloud providers who adhere to high standards of security can mitigate risks.
a. Challenge: Correctional facilities may already use legacy systems that need to work seamlessly with new cloud-based applications. b. Solution: Carefully assessing the existing IT ecosystem before migrating to the cloud and selecting a cloud provider that supports hybrid or multi- cloud environments. APIs and integration tools can help bridge gaps between on-premise and cloud systems.
5. Performance Challenges: a. Challenge: Cloud services must meet the high-performance demands of prison systems, especially for applications such as real-time surveillance and communication tools, where latency and bandwidth limitations can be a problem. b. Solution: Selecting cloud services with the right performance characteristics (e.g., low-latency networking) and implementing edge computing solutions in specific areas where performance is critical can help reduce these issues.
By proactively addressing these challenges, LONG Building Technologies DBA Justice Systems can help correctional facilities leverage the benefits of cloud technology to improve management, enhance safety, and provide inmates with valuable opportunities for education and rehabilitation. Effective planning, technology selection, and staff training will be essential for overcoming these hurdles and maximizing the potential of cloud services. With 30+ years of experience in the correctional industry LONG DBA Justice Systems can help guide you through the process, from systems design and implementation to follow-on service and support.
2. Cost Management: a. Challenge: Cloud services can be cost-effective but managing and optimizing those costs requires careful monitoring, as unexpected expenses can arise from unanticipated usage spikes. b. Solution: Leveraging cloud cost management tools that help track
www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 35
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JUVENILE JUSTICE UPDATE Juvenile Justice Update, from page 5 impact of kindness and the importance of community connection. Over the course of a month, the youth engaged in workshops, discussions and activities designed to build empathy, communication skills and a sense of purpose. The culmination of this curriculum was the creation of a mural: A collaborative art piece that served as a visual representation of their shared experiences and aspirations. But the goal was not simply artistic expression. The process was about giving youth a voice, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to their environment and fostering a sense of ownership. The act of creating something beautiful and positive together instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment, reinforcing the lessons learned during the curriculum.
practices. By prioritizing positive youth development and fostering a culture of kindness and accountability, we can create a system that is more effective and humane.
Looking Forward We are expanding this program to other facilities, refining our approach based on the lessons learned. We are also committed to sharing our findings with other juvenile justice professionals nationwide and demonstrating the power of positive youth development.
Our experience confirms what research has long suggested: A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, and kindness—when grounded in structure and accountability—can transform lives. Brett Peterson, J.D., Director, Utah Juvenile Justice, is also the chair of Utah’s Commission on Crime and Juvenile Justice, juvenile chair for ACA and the immediate past president for CJJA.
Evidence of Positive Outcomes This initiative is grounded in the understanding that positive youth development is not just about addressing deficits: It’s about building upon strengths. Research consistently supports that focusing on protective factors like social competence, positive identity and opportunities for contribution can significantly reduce delinquency and promote positive outcomes. By creating a supportive environment, we are helping youth develop the
Students participating in the mural project didn’t just create art, they also developed empathy and collaborative skills that will carry beyond their environment. Photo Credit: Utah Department of Juvenile Justice
skills and resilience they need to succeed. However, accountability remains central. We are not simply offering a feel-good experience; rather, we are teaching youth to understand the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for their choices. Going months without incidents of any kind in the pilot facility is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach. It demonstrates that fostering positive relationships and providing opportunities for growth can lead to significant behavioral improvements.
A Symbol of Change and a Scalable Model The mural, in this context, becomes a powerful symbol of change. It serves as a visual reminder of the positive transformation that is possible when we invest in the strengths of young people. It represents their ability to create something beautiful and meaningful, even in challenging circumstances. It is a testament to the power of kindness and service as tools for rehabilitation and growth. This approach is not limited to art projects. It can be integrated into various aspects of juvenile justice programming, from educational initiatives to restorative justice www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 37
INDUSTRY ADVOCACY Industry Advocacy, from page 14 A New Framework for Correctional Design and Operation True public safety cannot be measured in 24-hour intervals of incident-free operation. It must be measured in successful community reintegration, reduced recidivism, and the physical and mental health outcomes of both incarcerated individuals and the staff who work with them. Achieving this requires three fundamental shifts: 1. Physical environments that balance security and humanity Clear sightlines with more normalized spaces,
James A. Musick Facility in Orange County, Calif., provides an outdoor break area for staff to support wellness. Photo Credit: Kim Rogers
appropriate acoustic management to reduce the constant nervous-system activation that drives violence, and access to natural light and greenery are all essential to reducing aggression and increasing stability. 2. Operations that promote relationships and accountability Smaller housing units create more manageable environments where relationships between staff and residents can develop, enhancing both immediate safety and rehabilitative outcomes. Technology should enhance targeted supervision of actual risks, not impose constant, dehumanizing surveillance that erodes mental well-being. 3. A cultural shift in how we define safety Trauma-informed approaches don’t compromise security; they enhance it by addressing the root causes of disruptive behavior. Normalized environments that approximate community living don’t undermine institutional control— they prepare individuals for the self-regulation required for successful reentry.
The Cost of Maintaining the Status Quo
Call for Papers Your Voice Matters! Whether you’re shaping policy in the corridors of power, innovating on the frontlines, or have walked the path of transformation, we want to hear from you! Be part of a milestone as we celebrate a decade of the Nelson Mandela Rules and 15 years of the Bangkok Rules - two frameworks that have reshaped human dignity in corrections worldwide. We invite submissions on this theme from a diverse range of voices, including academics, practitioners, international organizations, NGOs, innovators, and those with lived experience. www.icpa.org
The financial and human costs of our current approach are unsustainable. Each failed reentry isn’t just another crime statistic—it’s a cost multiplier across our criminal justice, healthcare and social service systems. Every staff member who leaves the profession due to burnout, dies by suicide or develops chronic health conditions, represents not just fiscal liability but also a lost investment in training and institutional knowledge. But perhaps most significantly, our current system reflects a profound failure of imagination: the inability to see that security and wellness are not competing priorities but complementary goals. Integrated properly, they generate a virtuous cycle of improved outcomes for everyone involved.
Conclusion: Toward Holistic Public Safety Ultimately, this isn’t about choosing between security and rehabilitation. It’s about recognizing that our narrow focus on immediate control has created a system that fails at both. True public safety requires correctional environments designed and operated with a more sophisticated understanding—one that recognizes the interconnected nature of immediate security and long-term success. By reimagining our approach through this lens, we can create correctional environments that protect communities not by temporarily containing individuals, but by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior while supporting the well-being of those tasked with managing these challenging environments. This isn’t just more humane— it’s more effective at delivering the public-safety outcomes that are the fundamental purpose of our correctional system. Brian Lovins, Ph.D., is president of Justice System Partners and a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based correctional reform. He is a member of the Correctional News Editorial Advisory Board and the immediate past president of the American Probation and Parole Association. He has spent more than 30 years helping justice systems implement research-driven practices to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. 38 | www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025
SEC & DEC ROUNDTABLE CLABORN
NOECKER
SKIPPER
Insights on the Future of SEC & DEC
Three industry leaders discuss market shifts, labor shortages and the future of facility technology By Kat Balster Security Electronics and Detention Equipment Contractors (SEC/DEC) are facing an evolving market. Correctional News asked three industry leaders who lead companies that perform both SEC and DEC scopes to discuss where the industry stands today and where it’s headed. Experts include Mitch Claborn, president and CEO of Cornerstone Inc.; Nathan Skipper, vice president of sales for Montgomery Technology Systems; and Brett Noecker, vice president of preconstruction for CML Security. CN: How would you describe the current state of the SEC/DEC market? CLABORN: The market has been healthy for the past few years, with many large projects in the marketplace yet to be awarded and many more planned for the future. While there is a significant demand for new facilities, population shifts will require state and local municipalities to look at expansion. NOECKER: A vast number of facilities are either exceeding their current capacities
or reaching end-of-life on equipment, infrastructure and technologies. This will result in opportunities for new construction and retrofits/upgrades in the near future. Efforts to modernize and improve facilities through the establishment of enforceable state-level standards have been increasing. Funding also remains a difficult hurdle for facilities across the country. SKIPPER: Currently, the market is very active with many projects currently in design and in construction. The primary challenge relates to shifting dynamics in the availability of contractors and manufacturers. The number of DE/SE contractors that can perform at a national level has been reduced in recent years. Similarly, there has been turmoil around the number of manufacturers and the availability of products. CN: How have you seen the industry evolve over the past decade, and where do you think it is headed next? CLABORN: New companies have entered the marketplace through acquisition. With new leadership often comes new ideas and new competition. Healthy and fair competition benefits the corrections industry and brings fresh ideas. The past decade has also brought a significant push for mental health care and with it new concepts for normalization. In the beginning, this came with a high price tag, but as concepts and ideas arise the cost of normalization will stabilize. NOECKER: The past 10 years has brought as much change as the prior 40 among both manufacturers and contractors. I expect major changes over the next decade in security electronics. We are on the verge of seeing major shifts in technology, both with products and components but also in how systems fundamentally operate. The emergence of artificial intelligence and other technologies will likely impact SEC designers as they are forced to rethink the fundamental basis of design on facility controls. In the past, these have remained stable even as technologies shifted from I/O and hard panels to touchscreen controls. Things are about to change. SKIPPER: The largest change over the past decade has been the shift in the number of contractors and manufacturers. In the next decade, we see two disparate trends: consolidation and disintegration. Consolidation will occur as the market share expands for some and shrinks for others. We can expect disintegration as new spin-offs emerge from consolidation, new manufacturers crop up and new contractors spinning off the old. CN: As it relates to SEC/DEC, what is the greatest challenge facing the corrections industry in the next 5-10 years? How does your company plan to navigate these challenges?
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CLABORN: The projected volume of work being designed and waiting to be constructed will put pressure on resources. People are our most valued resource; it is required to train them in our policies and procedures. Cornerstone is establishing a dedicated training facility, the “Cornerstone Academy,” for the training of all new employees and to support annual and ongoing training for our team and maintenance personnel to best serve our clients. Construction has already started on the academy, with anticipated completion in the third quarter of 2025. We are hiring a director and will have a complete curriculum. NOECKER: Workforce availability continues to challenge both manufacturers and contractors. Where manufacturers have been able to leverage advancements in machinery and robotics to reduce reliance on labor, contractors will still see serious risk in the coming years. In an industry charged with a responsibility toward public safety, we have to consider how decreases in available skilled labor and senior leadership in the younger generation may impact the quality and volume of work. Our approach to address workforce concerns involves sourcing local labor, then retaining them as permanent staff. Training has turned unskilled labor into skilled labor and provides opportunities for skill development and increased pay. Our industry suffers from an image problem in recruiting the younger generation. Despite a contingent of young people interested in construction management, detention is less “glamorous” than other types of construction. We collectively need
SEC & DEC ROUNDTABLE to make a good pitch to young construction professionals, likely involving an appeal to their public spiritedness—in both public safety and the rehabilitation and healing of persons in custody. SKIPPER: In the near term, product availability and lead times are our largest
concern. Manufacturer turmoil presents a challenge in supporting existing customers with related products. Some manufacturers have excessive lead times for replacement parts and some products have been discontinued due to new ownership. As a result, we see an opportunity in the retrofit market, as more customers will need to retrofit their existing products due to supply chain issues. CN: What are some questions you would invite clients to consider before embarking on an SEC/DEC upgrade project? How can owners prepare for success? CLABORN: The needs of clients vary, with certain products and methods working better for some clients than others. Priority concerns and problematic issues must be addressed first. Once addressed, you can discuss desires vs. needs. Our philosophy is to provide solutions to problems. We provide as many solutions as possible to the client, without the intent of pushing a particular product or method for construction. This empowers our clients to make the best decision for their needs. Owners can prepare for success by visiting other facilities and investigating multiple products and services. Since they understand their current facility’s shortcomings or lack of technology, involvement in the early development of the design assures the improvements they need in the new facility. NOECKER: Before launching a major facility upgrade or replacement, owners should first understand what modern detention construction entails. This may require letting go of familiar operational models. Rather than replicating past efforts, modern facilities must address current challenges and leverage emerging technologies. Staffing, operational costs and other key factors must be reconsidered through a contemporary lens.
with aging and outdated infrastructure, impacting the cost to upgrade. Often by the time they get the funding there are upgrades available. NOECKER: Artificial intelligence (AI) will likely make positive impacts on the effectiveness of security electronics systems. AI will allow facilities to analyze data from video and audio feeds in real time to detect potential threats to the facility and contribute to those systems’ abilities to prevent rather than react to security threats. AI will increase operational efficiency and allow more freedom of movement in facility design. This technological shift—removing one person’s control over another’s decisions—will significantly affect both facility operations and resident well-being. SKIPPER: More products continue to adapt IP networking for communications and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for power. This simplifies installation and increases the number of devices that can be directly integrated into the security system.
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SKIPPER: With security electronics, it’s important to ask about the long-term impacts of a solution. What is the lifespan of each component? What are the options for partial replacement of components? Will you be able to upgrade parts of the system in the future without having to replace the entire system? Can your own staff or local service provider work on the system once you have the appropriate training? What training is available? What is the tech support structure for the system? CN: What new technologies in general are helping to advance capabilities and functionalities within the SEC/DEC industry? CLABORN: New technologies need to serve our customers for many years and need to be investigated before being installed into new facilities. New technology is typically very expensive, so you also must keep costs in mind. However, as technology advances, costs decrease. In time new technology can be incorporated into what we do as soon as it proves beneficial, durable and cost effective. Locks and the frames housing the locks are being developed with new functions. Over time, these upgrades have proven to be more secure and safe. Our company is continuing to invest in additional features. Security electronics is a new technology minefield; however, the industry is still dealing www.correctionalnews.com | may - june 2025 | 41
NEWS
Global Corrections Conference Calls for Innovative Papers on Wellbeing in Prison Systems By Laura Andrite The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) is accepting paper submissions for its 27th Annual Conference to be held Oct. 26–31, 2025, in Istanbul. The event coincides with key milestones, the 10th anniversary of the Nelson Mandela Rules and the 15th anniversary of the Bangkok Rules, which are both central to international prison standards.
Focus on Staff, System and Community Wellbeing Centered on the theme “Wellbeing in Corrections: Initiatives for Staff, Systems and Communities,” the conference invites discussion on issues such as recruitment challenges, workplace safety, mental health support and professional development opportunities. Systems wellbeing topics will examine healthcare delivery, facility design, youth justice reforms and technological innovations. The organization is particularly interested in submissions that showcase data-informed policies and sustainable practices in corrections management. Additionally, a community wellbeing track will look at prisons in community and society at large. This track will explore rehabilitation programs, reentry initiatives and restorative justice approaches. Special attention will be given to presentations featuring voices with lived experience.
administrators, researchers and policy experts, NGOs, officials and policymakers, and mental health and rehabilitation specialists.
Submission Requirements and Process Presentations must adhere to strict quality guidelines, including: · Clear alignment with conference themes · Evidence-based content with cited research · Practical applications in correctional settings · Non-commercial focus Each submission must include comprehensive speaker information, detailed abstracts and specific discussion points to facilitate engagement. The deadline for submissions is May 16, 2025, with selected presenters to be notified in the following weeks.
Looking Forward
Call for Diverse Perspectives
The conference is an opportunity to influence corrections policy and practice for years to come by sharing innovations, challenges and best practices in all aspects of wellbeing in correctional services. For additional information about submission guidelines or the conference, please visit www. icpa.org. Regular updates about the conference will be available through ICPA’s official channels.
ICPA encourages submissions from a broad spectrum of professionals, including correctional staff and
Laura Andrite is the communications and media manager for the ICPA.
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Martel Construction Selected to Lead Flathead County Jail Project By Kat Balster KALISPELL, Mont. — Flathead County commissioners have unanimously approved the selection of Bozeman, Mont.-based Martel Construction as construction manager for the county’s proposed new adult detention facility. The April 29 vote follows a competitive review process evaluating responses to a request for qualifications. Martel will initially provide preconstruction services, including design collaboration, cost estimating, constructability reviews and scheduling input. These services are intended to improve efficiency and outcomes as the county moves into the design phase of the long-planned project. The selection of Martel marks a significant step toward building a replacement for the county’s aging downtown jail, which was constructed in 1984 and currently houses approximately 100 inmates. The existing facility no longer meets state or national standards and is plagued by overcrowding, poor sightlines and infrastructure deficiencies. In 2023, the county completed a detailed needs assessment indicating that Flathead County will require up to 200 beds by 2040. The new facility is expected to accommodate approximately 250 beds, with capacity for future expansion, and may also include sheriff’s office space, courtrooms and improved services for inmates with special needs or mental health concerns. The planned location for the jail is a 114acre property south of Kalispell, purchased by the county last year. Current cost estimates for the project range from $115 to $134 million, with $13.8 million already set aside. County officials anticipate seeking voter approval for a bond or levy to fund construction and long-term operation. Martel Construction, which has experience in detention projects statewide, including the 2018 expansion of Flathead’s existing jail, joins Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Elevatus Architecture, previously selected to design the facility. The county expects a collaborative process as planning continues, with a guaranteed maximum price and construction agreement to follow the preconstruction phase.
TRENDSPOTTING Trendspotting, from page 31 would likely not be as effective for drones, which have the deftness to clip wires if required, while proceeding to the pinpoint destination.
Rethinking the Perimeter I want to return to the notion that, as an edge, our consideration of perimeters has to address the third dimension: The open airspace above our facilities. This is nothing new but an acknowledgement that drone technology now requires evidence-based attention to prevention, detection and elimination. While traditional
prison perimeters could be secured with visible, physical systems installed on, beneath, and between walls and fences, drone threats demand detection and elimination systems, as they may be largely invisible and more complex. If the advances in technologies like drone dome continues, legislation at the federal level will be necessary. These systems, used primarily in military contexts, require the jamming of communication channels. Even though at least one manufacturer of the drone dome purports to use “off-the-shelf” technology, correctional systems will still need to obtain federal permission—followed by staff recruitment, training and maintaining the investment to operate them effectively.
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A Necessary Investment But do we have a choice? Every evaluation of an existing or new correctional facility begins with a risk assessment and a quantitative and qualitative determination of tolerance in operational, social, financial and political tolerances. To this end, I will conclude this very shallow discussion about the need to consider the third perimeter during planning, I will point to a paper that germinated from a workshop sponsored by the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative titled “Drones: Countering an Emerging Threat to Correctional Security.” The paper is a thorough examination of what several states are considering in their plans to strengthen the third perimeter.
A Game Changer That May Endure Every decade or so, an operational, design or construction game changer happens in corrections. It has its day in the sun and then either disappears (pneumatic toilets), endures (direct supervision) or evolves (door controls). Perhaps a measure of the endurance of a game changer is how long it remains in the conversation—across papers, conferences and media attention. If this is the test, then the impact—both constructive and destructive— of drones in corrections will endure. Stephen Carter, AICP, is the executive vice president and global strategic development officer of Miami-based CGL Companies and a member of the Correctional News Industry Knowledge Council.
Maintenance & Operations, from page 33
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what each color card represents. With a proximity system or contactless smart card, the distance the card can be properly read by the reader will vary by the antenna inside the reader and can be influenced by surrounding interference, such as detention doors and frames. A best practice is to keep the card reader on the wall and off of door frames. Every lock should use a contact-type key card so a staff member passing by a door does not unlock it by accident.
Lessons Learned: Post-Activation Is Just the Beginning Once the system is live, it is critical that any issues are addressed immediately and that solutions become effective systemwide immediately. An electronic monitoring control equipment failure or a tablet or card reader issue must be addressed as a top priority. Even with a well-planned system, there will be some hiccups. Thorough vetting of the functional requirements dramatically reduces the risk. Regardless, jail security staff should be alert and report any issues to their supervisor and IT security manager. As far as dealing with pushback from staff and management, listen to their complaint and tell them you’ll sleep on it and get back to them. Greg Offner, CCM, is a criminal justice consultant serving the planning, design and construction community and is a member of the Correctional News Industry Knowledge Council.
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION The project added a sheriff’s administration office, lobby and video visitation area. Photo Credit (all): Skeebo Photography and Wes Albanese Photography
Bell County, Texas, Jail Complex Overhaul Nears Completion
The sweeping $112 million project impacted nearly every space and service on the existing campus and required a host of infrastructure improvements By Lindsey Coulter Sometimes, you have to spend money to save money. Such was the case for Bell County, Texas, which for years has spent thousands of dollars each month to house inmates in other counties. While Bell County’s existing jail complex was designed to serve approximately 900 inmates, it was undersized for the county’s actual detention needs. Working with the design team of Grace Hebert Curtis Architects (GHC) and MRB Group, and general contractor Sedalco Construction, among other key subcontractors, the county is nearing completion of a project that will improve and/or expand nearly every existing space across the jail campus, while more than doubling bed count.
good use of the available space. However, this substantial growth in capacity also necessitated the expansion of every service across the entire jail complex.
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A Campuswide Approach Key to the project are two new one-story minimum-security housing units and a new four-story housing tower—all designed to incorporate the direct supervision model. Each of the minimum-security housing units consists of two 48-bed pods, altogether adding 192 new minimum-security beds as well as restrooms, recreation areas and day rooms. The units are constructed of precast and preengineered metal with CMU walls, materials specifically chosen for their local availability
The laundry list of facilities improvements and new programming spaces started with the jail’s actual laundry service but also included developing a new central plant,
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Work was completed in overlapping phases while the complex remained fully operational.
and to help expedite the project. Meanwhile the tower design is the result of site constraints and the design team’s ingenuity. “Believe it or not, they were kind of out of land,” said Adam Fishbein, secretary-treasurer for GHC. “When the original facility was built, there was one quadrant that was left for future housing unit. That required us to build the four-story tower.” “The county needed about four times the amount of beds that area would support,” added Tanya Reed, AIA, architecture national director for MRB Group. The tower, constructed using poured-inplace concrete and precast exteriors, made
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DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
2025
RESOURCE GUIDE Learn more about the companies featured in the Ad Index below and in future editions of Correctional News. Key to the project are two new one-story minimum-security housing units and a new four-story housing tower—all designed to incorporate the direct-supervision model.
a new chiller for the entire complex, an upgraded food service area that is double the size of its predecessor and new property storage areas. The project also modified intake and processing spaces and added a substantial, two-story sheriff’s administration office. A large new lobby and video visitation area will also reduce inmate movement. Finally, the complex received an entirely new security electronics system. As all work was completed in overlapping phases while the complex remained fully operational, inmates were strategically shuffled through secure spaces, requiring significant coordination and communication to ensure security. It also meant developing a meticulous plan
movement and being able to manage human beings, building systems and security electronics,” Fishbein estimated, noting that the coordination has been well worth the effort.
Addressing Medical and Mental Health Needs Another critical aspect of the project was the development of modern medical and mental health support spaces. “The entire first floor of the housing tower is a dedicated mental health unit,” Reed said. “This is a first for Bell County and surrounding communities in general. Approximately 33% of the jail population has mental health issues but, historically it has not been addressed within the system.” To ensure continuity of critical medical services throughout the project, the team also got creative with the construction schedule. “Because we had to maintain the existing medical [facility] in place, we built a new L-shaped medical structure around the existing portion,” Fishbein explained. Once the new medical structure was complete, services were relocated to the new facility and backfilling began on the older portion. Bell County took another proactive approach to supporting people in custody with mental health concerns by creating a Diversion Center across the street from the jail complex. The center will accept misdemeanor offenders for a period of 3-10 days, providing stabilization, services and time to adjust medications or locate family members prior to the person entering the detention system. For people already in custody, new time-out rooms within the housing units provide safe space for inmates to cool off or decompress while still being safely monitored. “It’s a dynamic shift,” Fishbein said.
New time-out rooms within the housing units provide safe space for inmates to cool off or decompress while still being safely monitored.
to shift existing services to various locations across the campus as work progressed. For example, the original laundry was moved to make way for a temporary kitchen, then later a sally port, with each space demolished and redeveloped in careful sequence. “It’s probably taken an extra year related to the
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Even as designers creatively addressed spatial and programming needs, the project site proved tricky. Reed explained that the existing site connects to a courts complex, sharing some critical infrastructure. There was also a substantial drainage swell to navigate, and the existing roads, major utilities and transportation facilities restrained expansion and flexibility. These factors required MRB Group to create a team of expert architects and engineers and to work closely with Bell County and the City of Belton every step of the way, developing new and relocated water and sewer utilities, natural gas service, new roadways and a staff parking lot. The total project cost is approximately $112 million. After nearly two years of construction, it is anticipated to be completed later in the summer.
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Ad Index
PAGE #
Accurate Controls Inc................................................................. 31 Acorn Engineering..................................................................... 48 Actall Corporation......................................................................33 American Correctional Association...........................................34 ASSA Inc......................................................................................25 Centurion Healthcare.................................................................15 CGL..............................................................................................13 CML Security.............................................................................. 45 Cortech Correctional Technologies.......................................... 47 Cornerstone...................................................................................6 Dewberry Inc..............................................................................41 DLR Group.....................................................................................7 Drugloo........................................................................................33 Falcon Technologies Inc.......................................................Cover Frigo Design............................................................................... 46 Guard1........................................................................................29 Harding Instruments.................................................................... 12 HDR Architecture Inc....................................................................4 HOK.............................................................................................11 I-CON Systems Inc.....................................................................32 Imperial Privacy Systems Inc...................................................... 31 International Corrections and Prison Association................... 38 Justice Systems (LONG)....................................................... 19,35 KeyTrak........................................................................................ 21 McGrory Glass...........................................................................13 Modcorr................................................................................26,27 Moduform Inc............................................................................ 44 Montgomery Technology Systems LLC.....................................37 Norix Group Inc.....................................................................2,46 On the Gate LLC........................................................................39 Pellerin Milnor Corp..................................................................40 RaySecur.......................................................................................8 R&N Systems Design..................................................................28 The Rose Report.......................................................................... 45 Securus Technologies................................................................ 43 Shat-R-Shield Inc........................................................................41 Sherwood Windows Limited..................................................... 30 SteelCell North America........................................................... 20 Sustainable Security Solutions...................................................28 Tech Works..................................................................................14 Titan Steel Door..........................................................................14 Treanor Architects...................................................................... 38 Vanir Construction Management Inc........................................42 Willo Products Company Inc.......................................................5 Willoughby Industries...................................................................9
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