As of April 14, 2023, permits for this project have been requested. Further details regarding design and construction have not been confirmed. A firm timeline has not been established. The closed solicitation has been included below for reference. Currently, the Jail Annex Master Control System (MCS) is well past its prime. Therefore, the Newport News Sheriffs Office is requesting $345,000 of CIP funding to replace the MCS at the Jail Annex. To help understand the criticality and vulnerability, it is crucial to know the importance of a MCS within a jail facility. The MCS is like a 911 emergency operation center. The MCS operator is responsible for monitoring essential emergency communication signals such as smoke and fire, two-way radio communication, telephone communication and other security monitoring (audio and visual) systems. More importantly, the MCS operator is the watchful eyes and ears and the guardian of the facility. For instance, the MCS operator ensures the safe and orderly operations of the jail by observing all employees and inmates within the jail and coordinates and monitors emergency response to the facility and to the Magistrate Office during a duress alarm. When the system fails, Sheriff Deputies go to a keyed operation with the inability to visually confirm any potential threat behind an exterior door; thereby, posing a greater danger and jeopardizing security of the facility by unknowingly allowing unauthorized persons to gain entry. Also, being blind or unable to see and safeguard deputies during inmate movements or to detect abnormal conditions warranting further attention impedes operational security within a jail environment. In addition, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is adopted by Newport News Sheriffs Office as a no-tolerance policy, and the security monitoring of cameras is integral to that policy as a deterrent, and for forensic use in investigation of allegations. Other Justification Factors:
Existing system is in a state of decay Operating on 2003 Server platform Does not interface with the City Jails MCS No ability for remote service with contractor Richmond, VA closest service providers During emergency, no backup or failover system in place.
FUN *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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