Security Installation 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 justice

When to start planning security

• Master plans assess and guide security planning in pre-construction phase

• Security equipment can best be planned during pre-construction 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 characteristics

• Compromise to meet both needs

Existing Conditions

• Construction Material Issues in older buildings– Stone and Brick exterior– Concrete wall interior– Ceiling Height– Domed ceiling– Columns– No wire chases– No attic access

Issues to Address

• Where drilling and mounting 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 accommodating the aesthetic integrity of the building

Camera options

• Analog or IP camera• IR for nighttime• Glare reduction for backlit areas• Vari-Focal vs Fixed-Lense• Size of camera • Placement of cameras• Options for mounting• Area to be covered – best angle

Access control

• Limiting public access

• Reduce the number of people with keys to building.

• Direct public through security checkpoint

Access options

• Mag locks • Slim-line mag lock• Electric Strike • Electronic Dead-bolt• Proximity reader• Slim-line reader• Biometric reader

Camera/Access integration

Snapshots of people entering or exiting 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 options were very limited

WireTray

Access through drop ceiling for AC

Angle Base Domes

PTZ

Milam County

DVR

Access through

beam

Case Study – Milam County• Only 2 possible locations 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 CountyCamera 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 CountyCamera 2:This hallway camera is a mini-dome. The wiring will go through the IT room and use existing wire chase to get into hallway

Milam CountyCamera 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 conditioner vent is located.

Milam CountyCamera 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 existing switch.

Solutions for Historical Integrity

Problem1. Discreet Cameras2. Camera needed at specific

location after construction3. Access required on historic

door4. Panic system where wires

cannot be run

Solution1. Paint base of camera2. Custom bracket

3. Good security company

4. Wireless panic system

Discreetly Placed Camera

Exterior Bullet Camera painted to match the stone

Unique Mounting

Custom made bracket with 2 cube

camerasNo ability to add cameras

Access Control on Historic Door

• Solid Ceiling• Historic Door

Installed motion 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 Properties is best in the pre-

construction 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 additional questions please email Ray Dunn rdunn@myshield.org