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Create A Union

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Take a Unified Approach for Security Electronics, Equipment Systems


A union signifies a coming together. A union can be as basic as a marriage or as complex as a nation. Wherever unions are recognized they represent institutions of strength and security.


A union is also the key to a well-coordinated justice facility design approach, especially when considering the union between security electronics and security equipment systems. By combining the design of these two unique systems into a single unified approach, a method is established that contributes to the overall strength, security and success of a justice project.


Security Equipment


Security equipment is typically described in the specifications of both Division 08 and Division 11. The security equipment system consists of all the physical security components of the justice facility. Typical security equipment specifications can include:



  • Hollow metal doors and frames
  • Security hardware
  • Glass and glazing
  • Furnishings and accessories
  • Windows
  • Screens
  • Hollow metal walls
  • Metal ceilings
  • Padded surfaces
  • Fasteners

Security Electronics


Security electronics is typically described in the specifications of Division 17 when using the old numbering system of MasterFormat 1995 or Division 28 when using the new numbering system of MasterFormat 2004. The security electronics system consists of all the security electronic components for the communication, control and monitoring of the justice facility. Typical security electronics specifications can include:



  • Door control and monitoring
  • Card access
  • Door movement intercom
  • Sound monitoring
  • Security intercom
  • Video surveillance
  • Digital video recording
  • Duress alarm
  • Perimeter fence detection
  • Officer tour
  • Video visitation
  • Utility controls

As part of Division 11, security equipment is typically described in the architectural plans and specifications. As part of Division 17/28, security electronics is typically described in the electrical plans and specifications. Most projects rely on architects and their consultants for security equipment design, and engineers and their consultants for security electronics design.


Architecture and engineering are two distinctly different fields but the two must work together for a project to be successful. By combining the services of security electronics and security equipment under a single design entity, a product is produced that is both fully engineered and fully coordinated. Additional value is realized when these two entities are designed and specified in an unbiased manner, without a vested interest in representing a particular manufacturer’s goods or services.


Reducing Excess Cost and Time


Lack of coordination between security electronics and security equipment systems can add significant cost and time to the project. It is not uncommon for security electronics drawings to show electrified hardware at a particular door opening while the security equipment specifications list mechanical hardware. If not caught prior to the bid, this lack of coordination will require a clarification generated in the form of a request for information. This RFI generates a request for proposal. The RFP generates a change order. This chain reaction results in lost time and added cost. Consider what happens if a security door frame is installed without the rough-in requirements for an electronic lock:



  1. The security door and frame must be modified to accept electric locking hardware.
  2. Electrical boxes must be welded to the security door frame.
  3. Conduits and cabling must be installed. Due to the secure nature of justice building design, the conduit can be nearly impossible to conceal late in the project.
  4. Body filler must be added and sanded smooth.
  5. All metal parts must be prime- painted.
  6. All metal parts must receive finish painting
  7. An expensive change order must be generated.

Collaborative Design


To reduce errors, security electronics and security equipment design must occur collaboratively. Meetings must be scheduled between the users of a facility, the architect, the security electronics designer and security equipment designer. All aspects regarding the operation of the facility need to be discussed including:



  • Arrestee intake
  • Processing
  • Booking procedures
  • Classification of inmates
  • Release procedures
  • Medical emergencies
  • Special needs detainees
  • Loading/receiving dock procedures
  • Laundry
  • Food service distribution
  • Removal of trash and other processes as required.

Once these operations are defined, the design of the security electronics and security equipment systems can be configured to support the operations.


Single Document


The Wisconsin-based consulting engineering firm Arnold & O’Sheridan Inc. uses a coordinated approach to security electronics and security equipment design with a single document that combines the two systems into a single reference drawing.


The reference drawing is used to discuss security design considerations during design meetings with the architect and owner. This same drawing is then used to generate separate security electronics and security equipment layouts, along with all of the required elevations, sections and details.


The security reference drawing also generates all necessary schedules and specifications to describe the work. Symbols and terminology used to describe security electronic and security equipment systems remain consistent throughout the process.


On-Site Submittal Review


Another way to increase coordination between the security electronics and security equipment systems is with an on-site security electronics and security equipment submittal review.


This meeting includes representatives from the owner, architect, security equipment designer, security electronics designer, security equipment contractor, security electronics contractor, electrical contractor and security hollow metal door and frame supplier.


Each security opening is discussed in detail and the final design is reviewed. This process not only facilitates coordination, but also allows the owner one last opportunity to make changes to security openings prior to fabrication. These changes are fairly common, as the owner’s representatives of these facilities — who are inundated with decision-making requirements during the design process — have a better feel of the facility design as they see it rising out of the ground. A change at this stage of the project will cost less than changes made later during construction.


Project Management


It is important to include provisions in the project specifications for security electronics and security equipment contractors to assign a project manager as a single point of contact during construction. This project manager must have the necessary skills and professional experience to coordinate the work. Establishing a single point of contact opens an important line of communication for essential coordination during construction and simplifies the dissemination of information.


Final Systems Checkout


A coordinated security electronics and security equipment design also includes provisions for final systems checkout and testing.


The security equipment contractor is typically responsible for installing door positions, electronic locks and electronic locking hardware. The security electronics contractor is typically responsible for terminations of security electronic components, programming and control. Oftentimes, the security electronics contractor is the last contractor on site. The startup of the security electronics system inevitably involves adjustment to security equipment doors and hardware. Provisions are necessary for both contractors to be present during system startup and testing.


Officer Work Station Design


One of the most critical areas requiring coordination between security electronics and security equipment systems is the design of officer work stations.


Officer work stations are the main arteries of the justice facility design and must be properly coordinated for the facility to be secure, efficient and easy for staff to manage and operate. Space must be allocated for the multitude of complex equipment required for the operation and control of the facility. Too often, this equipment is installed without any forethought about how it impacts the overall effectiveness of the work station. The following items should be considered during officer work station design:



  • Work station orientation and site lines into surrounding spaces
  • Location of security controls, touch screens and hardwired panels
  • Location of camera monitors and camera controls
  • Location of intercom controls and other communication devices
  • Location of emergency generator alarm panels, fire alarm panels and a logging computer at master control
  • Space allocation for administrative computers
  • Space allocation for radio distribution and battery charging stations
  • Storage space for restraints and gassing agents
  • Key storage and management
  • Requirements and locations of package passes, key passes, paper passes and deal drawers
  • Staff toilet room and kitchen equipment
  • Tackboard for displaying staff notices
  • Adjustable lighting controls in the control station and the surrounding corridor
  • HVAC system design and consideration for any neighboring mechanical equipment and the potential noise or vibration it may cause
  • Acoustical treatment to reduce ambient noise

Specifications, Bids


In order for security electronics and security equipment systems to be fully coordinated, they must be nearly fully designed.


Some security consultants use performance-based specifications in their design work. A performance specification describes an end result and leaves it up to the bidding contractor to achieve that result. This type of specification puts the onus on the bidding contractor to have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide materials that will meet the performance criteria.


This fill-in-the-gap approach to security design may not lend itself to competitive bidding. System components are determined after the bid and may include proprietary products that are difficult to repair or replace during the life cycle of the facility.


A&O’s fully engineered and coordinated design approach utilizes descriptive-based specifications to define all components of the security system.


This approach assures the owner that they will receive competitive bidding with non-proprietary products. It also assures contractors that they are bidding a similar scope of services.


Understanding bid dynamics in the justice market is an essential step in the coordination of security electronics and security equipment design. Security contractors spend a considerable amount of money and time preparing bid estimates for justice work. They appreciate the value of a well-prepared and well-coordinated set of bid documents.


Contractors want to know that when they submit a bid on a project, they are bidding the same scope of services as their competition. It is also important for contractors to know that the bid documents are both nonproprietary and nonrestrictive.


The justice market is much smaller than the commercial construction market. Businesses within the justice community come and go, and experienced employees relocate from one company to another. Understanding these industry dynamics plays an important role in fair and competitive bidding. The importance of pre-approving contractors and suppliers on a job-by-job basis is a critical step to project success.


It is important to approve only those contractors who are experienced in the justice industry and are technically and financially capable of performing the work. The system of evaluating contractors during the bid process involves a great deal of research on the part of the security electronics and security equipment designers.


Only those contractors who meet the qualification requirements listed in the specifications are approved to bid the work.


Jeffrey R. Geiger, DE, PSP, is a senior project manager and principal at Arnold & Sheridan Inc. He has more than 20 years of experience in security electronics design. Jeffrey A. Pronschinske, BS, CSI, MAI, is a designer with more than 20 years of experience in security equipment design, contracting and supply.