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Pitchess Detention Center - South Facility / Chapter III - Administrative Orders / Section 5 - Facility Security

3-05-010 Security Alarm System


3-05-006 Process Service on PDC Property
3-05-020 Facility Compound Gate Security

Reviewed Date: 05-19-26

 

PURPOSE OF ORDER:

The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for the operation and maintenance of the facility’s security alarm system which is based on a Taut Wire Intrusion Detection System, integrated with cameras and a Computerized Control Center.

 

SCOPE OF ORDER:

This order applies to all personnel assigned to, and working at Pitchess Detention Center (PDC) South Facility.

 

ORDER: 

THEORY OF OPERATION

 

There are 24 nine (9) thermal cameras located around the fence line at PDC South Facility, which work working in conjunction with the taut wire (barbed wire) system Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) software. The taut wire which provides both a physical barrier and an intrusion sensing system. The fence is divided into 16 zones (sectors) with multiple horizontal taut wires, each connected to a sensor. The sensors and the sensors' interwiring are assembled within the sensor post, which is installed halfway between two anchor posts. Each sensor post has a cover concealing a micro-switch, which is activated upon removal of the cover. The anchor post secures the ends and carries the tension loads of the taut wire. The anchor posts have breakaway tabs to prevent climbing over the posts without activating the alarm.

 

The thermal cameras are located behind the following barracks:

 

  1. Kitchen dock
  2. Barrack 30
  3. Barrack 35 (facing West)
  4. Barrack 35 (facing East)
  5. Barrack 39
  6. Barrack 42
  7. Barrack 43
  8. Barrack 46
  9. Barrack 51

 

A multi-conductor cable, which hangs freely along the system's posts, links all the sensor posts to the control unit. Each conductor is connected to a designated zone and the interconnections are carried out in the sensor post. 

 

An attempted intrusion, tampering with the system, cut or deflection of the taut wire will immediately triggers the alarm at the control unit.

 

When human movement is detected by one of the thermal cameras, that camera feed will automatically populate a viewing pane in the FLIR CCTV “ControlCenter” application at PDC South Facility main control (David) desk and an alarm will sound. The watch deputy will be able to see the movement picked up by the camera.

Revision Date 10/15/20

09/04/97 SOUF