Security Installa/on in Rural Historic Courthouses
Significance of Historic Courthouses in Texas Symbol of local pride and self- government Tangible link to the past Monument of community jus/ce
When to start planning security Master plans assess and guide security planning in pre- construc/on phase Security equipment can best be planned during pre- construc/on phase to avoid damaging the features that define the historic character of the building
Example of Good Planning This furr- down was added to hold AC ductwork and any other wiring which allows security wiring thru the same space Wire Chase
Building Integrity The goal is to provide highest possible security Preserve integrity of historic characteris/cs Compromise to meet both needs
Exis/ng Condi/ons Construc/on Material Issues in older buildings Stone and Brick exterior Concrete wall interior Ceiling Height Domed ceiling Columns No wire chases No alc access
Issues to Address Where drilling and moun/ng can be done How to hide wiring Recessed security equipment vs surface mounted Where to use conduit and caddy
Cameras Highest quality image and camera features while accommoda/ng the aesthe/c integrity of the building
Camera op/ons Analog or IP camera IR for nighlme Glare reduc/on for backlit areas Vari- Focal vs Fixed- Lense Size of camera Placement of cameras Op/ons for moun/ng Area to be covered best angle
Access control Limi/ng public access Reduce the number of people with keys to building. Direct public through security checkpoint
Access op/ons Mag locks Slim- line mag lock Electric Strike Electronic Dead- bolt Proximity reader Slim- line reader Biometric reader
Camera/Access integra/on Snapshots of people entering or exi/ng building are combined with event- log of access control system.
Panic System Approx. 95% of TX Courthouses have wireless panic systems Quickest response- monitored by sheriff vs monitored by alarm company
Case Study Milam County Security was not incorporated into the planning stage and op/ons were very limited
Milam County Access through drop ceiling for AC Access through beam Angle Base Domes DVR Wire Tray PTZ
Case Study Milam County Only 2 possible loca/ons in main hall for cameras without using caddy Mini- domes with IR used in main hall PTZ in courtroom above clock IP Cube camera used in basement where network was available All entrances covered with no visible wire or caddy
Milam County Camera 1: The courtroom will receive a PTZ dome camera and microphone. The wires will go through the wall into the IT room where a small piece of wire caddy will be needed about 5 foot long.
Milam County Camera 2: This hallway camera is a mini- dome. The wiring will go through the IT room and use exis/ng wire chase to get into hallway
Milam County Camera 3 & 4: These 2 cameras are mini- dome to match other hall cameras. The wires will go through the wall into the accessible area where an air condi/oner vent is located.
Milam County Camera 5: The basement camera is an IP mini- dome. It will be mounted above the closet door and the wiring will go directly into closet to the exis/ng switch.
Solu/ons for Historical Integrity Problem 1. Discreet Cameras 2. Camera needed at specific loca/on acer construc/on 3. Access required on historic door 4. Panic system where wires cannot be run SoluDon 1. Paint base of camera 2. Custom bracket 3. Good security company 4. Wireless panic system
Discreetly Placed Camera Exterior Bullet Camera painted to match the stone
Unique MounDng Custom made bracket with 2 cube cameras No ability to add cameras
Access Control on Historic Door Solid Ceiling Historic Door Installed mo/on detector, request to exit, reader and mini- dome camera with no visible conduit or caddy
Wireless Panic System No visible wires No bulky equipment Immediate response to local Sheriff radio
Summary Security for Historic Proper/es is best in the pre- construc/on phase Use Highest Quality camera without sacrificing historical integrity User- friendly, simple access control with least obtrusive equipment Wireless panic system with immediate response to local law enforcement For any addi/onal ques/ons please email Ray Dunn rdunn@myshield.org