At an Indiana Seminar, Just the Facts
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – More than 100 architects, engineers, contractors, facility owners, operators, and manufacturers from 11 different states recently gathered at the headquarters of integrator.com for a detention equipment and security systems training seminar.
“It’s a more hands-on approach than an ACA show, with a smaller setting where they could address more detailed issues,” said attendee Mike Russell of the URS Corporation about the seminar, sponsored by Pauly Jail Building Company, integrator.com, and a vendor consortium known as “The Team.”
“There wasn’t a lot of sales rhetoric. It was more fact-based,” said Lt. Jim Craig of the Lenawee County Jail in Michigan, who is on the planning team for a new 274-bed facility, scheduled to break ground soon. “The inmates have nothing to do but think about ways to damage our property and equipment, and these are all things that combat that.”
Both Craig and Russell cited a demonstration by Security Coat Systems as being particularly informative. The company’s durable polymer coatings, also used in Habersham SteelCells, were shown to have a drying time of less than 30 seconds, allowing application while inmates are out of their cells for recreation. “It’s a unique application that will decrease maintenance costs within the facilities,” said Russell.
On the training side, attendees were split into four groups as the simultaneous presentations began, then rotated to ensure everyone attended each session. Topics covered by “The Team” included Pre-cast Concrete Cells, presented by Oldcastle Precast Modular Group, Willoughby Industries, Kenall Lighting, and Hopes Windows; and Steel Cells, presented by Habersham SteelCell, Pauly Jail Building Co., Habersham Metal Products, and Kane Screens.
The Detention Equipment presentation from Brookfield Industries, Pauly Jail Building Co., and RR Brink Locking Systems, outlined the process of pre-qualifying detention equipment contractors and suppliers, coordination of the scheduling, detention devices, electronic security systems, and accessories. In addition, discussion addressed the benefits of work assignments in specifications, as well as bid listing requirements for the contractors, and suppliers.
Intergrator.com’s presentation included an introduction to electronic security systems and their integration into detention design. According to attendee Steve Willis of the Indiana Department of Corrections, “Touchscreen systems have been well-received around Indiana, but not all the vendors have had their act together, so it was good to see somebody do it right.”
On the testing side, ASTM impact testing was conducted on a security doorframe by Habersham & Brookfield Industries, security lockset by RR Brink, and security glazing material by Insulgard. “We don’t know who made the sledge hammer, but that was the only thing that broke,” joked Mike Smith of Habersham.
The May ninth event was one of several regional training seminars currently scheduled for 2002 and 2003. For more information on additional events or one in your area, contact Belinda Delagarza at the Pauly Jail Building Company, (317) 580-0833.
