Project Overview

Professional Systems Engineering, LLC provided security and telecommunication consulting and construction administration services for the Chatham County Detention Center. The expansion project added 400,000 SF and bring the total number of inmate beds to 2,360. Major renovations include the administration building, medical, kitchen, laundry, and warehouse facilities. A work-release center is planned along with further renovation which will accommodate the need for any possible future expansions.

PSE provided construction administration services to ensure the facilities new electronic security systems, perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS), perimeter fencing, and tele/data communications systems worked and had been installed as designed. The second phase which included Unit 5, PSE designed an expansion to the newly upgraded electronic security systems, PIDS, perimeter fencing, and tele/data systems.

This project ultimately provided improved inmate screening through the use of hands-off sterile screening processes, over 900 video surveillance cameras, 767 card readers, complete integrated door control and monitoring from Central and Local Control areas, and improved security communications throughout the building, and a new perimeter fence including multiple layers of perimeter intrusion detection systems.

Services Provided

Security/Enforcement
  • Door and gates control/ monitoring with PLC integration
  • Cell control/monitoring
  • Redundant monitoring stations for central control, support/ command personnel and housing unit stations
  • Complete security intercom and paging system
  • CCTV surveillance
  • Access control systems
  • Wireless/wired duress systems
  • Digital video recorder equipment and networked video servers
  • Perimeter security and fencing

Communications
  • Communications infrastructure
  • Main point of presence coordination
  • Wide area of network interface
  • Distribution backbone design
  • Consulting for switching and servers
  • IDF/MDF tele/data room equipment layout
  • Tele/data communications structured cabling system
  • MATV/CATV system
  • Video visitation