Silent alarm for staff, turnstile gate with biometric access: Yerawada Central Prison gets a security upgrade

Officers from the prison department said as a part of security mechanism upgrades at central prisons across the state, the Yerawada Central prison received multiple additions, which were fitted by a Gurugram-based security systems firm.

“The key addition in this upgrade is a multi-function panic alarm system. It includes an alarm system for emergency quick response in case of any situation arising in the prison, which raises safety and security concerns for inmates and staff. One element is panic buttons for the staff and another is a panic button for the inmates. It has a separate functionality for medical emergencies. A unique feature is a silent secret alarm, with which staff can be mobilised without raising signals that can be heard by inmates,” said a prison department officer.

The other key element of the upgrade is turnstile gates with biometric access. “The access controlled turnstile gate will play a key role in ensuring that entry is granted only to authorised personnel and visitors. It will also keep a track of the entry and exit. With the access control being given to the centralised security system, the entry and exit can be limited if need arises,” added the officer.

Officials said overcrowding poses a major challenge for the segregation and maintaining physical separation among dreaded criminals, and especially between the organised rival gangs. The Yerawada Central Prison has close to 6,800 inmates against the capacity of 2,700, making it one of the most densely populated prison in the state.