Why Staff Safety Alarms are needed in Correctional Facilities

Ireland’s correctional facilities are currently grappling with unprecedented overcrowding. As of November 2023, there were 4,641 people in prison custody despite a bed capacity of just 4,515. By June 2024, this number reached 5,000 (Irish Prison Service). This growing imbalance of staff to inmate is placing an enormous strain on resources, pushing correctional officers to manage facilities that are operating beyond safe capacity limits.   

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) has expressed concern that such conditions not only compromise the health and safety of inmates, but also lead to increased stress and danger for staff. In such high-tension environments, overcrowding can quickly escalate to frustration and ultimately, violence.  

Safety alarm systems can have a deterrent effect on some individuals. Knowing that their actions may trigger an immediate response from staff can discourage some prisoners from engaging in prohibited or violent behaviour.  

While the implementation of staff safety systems won't resolve the issues of overcrowding or resource shortages, it will provide staff with peace of mind, knowing they can manage tense situations with the assurance that support is just a click away.

The impact of mental health challenges in correctional facilities is another pressing issue, with reports suggesting up to 70% of prisoners in Ireland having mental health issues ranging from low-level depression to psychosis. 

The Irish prison system is struggling to meet the mental health needs of inmates with ‘critically low’ numbers of specialist mental healthcare staff in prisons (Law Society Gazette). 

The lack of proper care and treatment means underlying issues aren’t addressed, contributing to the rise in violent outbursts and aggressive incidents. 

Given the challenges of managing a population with high rates of mental illness and limited resources, alarm systems provide an essential layer of protection for prison staff and allow for more efficient use of available personnel by directing them quickly to where they’re most needed.  

These conditions have given rise to an increase in violent behaviour within Irish correctional facilities.  

The Irish Prison Service has introduced various precautions, such as video surveillance, nets over exercise yards, and stricter visitation controls, to mitigate against abusive behaviour. However, these measures alone are clearly insufficient to address the rising number of assaults.  

This escalating violence demonstrates the urgent need for correctional facilities across Ireland to implement additional safety measures, such as personal alarm systems for staff. 

This is where Pinpoint Ireland’s staff alarm systems come in. Our Personal Infrared Transmitters (PITs) are personal alarms staff can wear during their shift and activate in the event of an incident. PITs allow prison staff to discreetly and swiftly signal for help in any situation. For example, if a prison officer finds themselves in a tense situation with an aggressive inmate, they can discreetly activate their PIT without drawing attention.   

Once triggered, it sends a signal to nearby receivers, pinpointing the exact location. This alert is relayed to security teams via multiple devices, including control room monitors and handhelds, enabling a rapid and coordinated response. 

With the staff member’s exact location and type of call being transmitted in less than 85 milliseconds, colleagues can respond rapidly to the situation and intervene – be it by splitting up an argument between two offenders or preventing an attack on a fellow colleague. The system covers the entire site, including showers, outdoor areas, meeting rooms, and other critical spaces, ensuring comprehensive protection no matter where incidents occur.  

Pinpoint Ireland’s solutions are fully compliant with the Irish Prison Service’s commitment to creating safer working environments for both staff and inmates. 

Correctional facilities are by nature volatile, but that doesn’t mean staff should face unnecessary risks. With the right safety measures, such as Pinpoint Ireland’s staff alarm systems, correctional officers can feel more secure in their ability to handle emergencies effectively. 

If you're responsible for managing a correctional facility, you know how critical it is to ensure the safety of your staff. Talk to the experts at  Pinpoint Ireland for more information on staff safety alarm systems and how they can help de-escalate high-stress situations and protect your team.