In a period of government downsizing and funding constraints, systems providing detention and criminal justice security are increasingly electronic in nature and less staff-intensive. The same is true of communication and life safety systems. Has this new reliance on electronic systems been misplaced?

Consider that 38% of architects surveyed by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), after designing and constructing a new correctional facility, cited "complex electronics systems" as a factor negatively affecting cost and/or schedule--more than any other system or cause. And those problems didn't just end after the facility was occupied. In another study, the NIC reports the agencies themselves spent from weeks to years trouble shooting newly-installed security systems, sometimes at great expense and aggravation. Post-installation debugging was required for fully:

75% of new perimeter security systems;
71% of new access control systems;
60% of new fire alarm systems;
58% of new CCTV systems; and
41% of new wireless personal alarm systems.

Clearly there is room for improvement in the electronic design and construction industry.

Justice Systems provides a range of services within three overall project categories designed to help agencies overcome these problems:

Systems Retrofits: services related to the upgrade and replacement of aging or obsolete security, communication, and fire alarm systems within existing facilities;
New Facilities and Major Renovations: services related to the design, installation, and administration of new installations of security, communication, and fire alarm systems;
Maintenance Consulting, Evaluations, and Needs Assessments on Individual Projects: services related to routine tours and inspections of existing facilities; surveying of operational needs; reporting on findings, needs, and recommendations; and preparing replacement and upgrade budget opinions.