Translate[Archived] Question #32: Why is funding needed in FY 2018 for the Courthouse/PSC Security System and what would be the impact of deferring the project to a later year?
Question:
Why is funding needed in FY 2018 for the Courthouse/PSC Security System and what would be the impact of deferring the project to a later year?
Response:
The security system for the Public Safety Center and the Courthouse currently consist of multiple systems with different functions that do not totally integrate. The access control system is outdated and obsolete; it is no longer supported by the manufacturer. The database has been compromised and is in danger of eminent failure. Many of the issues that staff is experiencing are as follows:
- Server has failed and thus
alarms cannot be cleared without resetting the system
- This minimizes the ability to properly respond to potential breaches of security and/or potential threats to courthouse security during business and after hours.
- Card access system does not communicate between the Courthouse and the Public Safety Center and thus the programming of security cards must take place at both locations (PSC & Courthouse)
- Many cameras are past their
life expectancy and have limited performance
- Increased number of cameras losing functionality during power outages and having to be replaced
- Increased number of repairs as result of the failing system
- Courthouse system crashed and required significant repair and replacement to function
- Courthouse camera views are limited and need to be increased and enhanced to properly respond to potential threats or incidents.
The vendor who currently maintains the system has informed staff that it is in a very critical state and failures will increase over time. They have indicated that if the system were to fail, an immediate replacement would be required. The loss of cameras, alarms, access to the housing unit entrance and cell doors, and courthouse lockup would be detrimental to the safety and security of Public Safety Center and Courthouse staff and members of the public by putting the security of the Public Safety Center and the Courthouse at a very vulnerable state of emergency. When the system failed at the courthouse in December of 2015 it required additional staffing to facilitate continued security afterhours for several days until the system was repaired. Deferring of the funding in FY 2018 would be a significant hardship on the facilities' day to day operations, and the safety and security of the facilities if the systems were to fail.