Enhancing Custody Management with Smart Glazing

In modern day policing, upholding the safety and dignity detainees, while providing officers with a safe environment to operate is more critical than ever. Custody management stands at the forefront of this mission.  It requires systems that go beyond basic routine standards to foster trust, safety and transparency. Over time, advancements in smart custody technology such as smart glazing are transforming the custody environment, enhancing the work of custody officers and prioritising the well-being of detainees.

Traditional Custody Environments

Traditional methods for managing privacy and security have focused heavily on solid barriers and outdated mechanisms, such as large, noisy observation flaps that compromised both detainee privacy and officer discretion. These systems, while effective at securing spaces, often lacked the subtlety needed for humane monitoring.

Over the years, integrated louvers became a common solution, providing adjustable angles for discreet observation. Constructed from durable, hollow-chambered aluminium and protected with high-impact glazing. Louvers with cord-free, anti-ligature knobs further ensured safety by preventing potential misuse. Yet, despite these improvements, finding a balance between security and privacy remains challenging. Such demanding environments make this a complex task.

Today, there is a growing recognition of how the design of physical environments impacts detainee health and well-being. Particularly in sensitive areas like cell accommodation, interview rooms and health clinics. It’s clear that creating a safer, more dignified custody environment can significantly influence detainee well-being and trust in the justice system. The College of Policing emphasises the importance of appropriate design and maintenance of custody suites, stating that ‘Appropriate design, planning, building and maintenance of police custody suites minimises risk to the safety of detainees, visitors and staff’.

Revolutionising Visibility and Safety with Smart Technology

As the construction of modern police, prison and court facilities advances, so does the integration of new technologies. One such advancement is smart glazing, a technology that has revolutionised how custody spaces are managed.

Smart glazing technology allows panels to switch between from obscure to clear states. This innovative solution not only improves the discretion of observations but also minimises disturbances. The ability to maintain privacy while still ensuring safety meets the dual goals of respecting detainees’ dignity and supporting officers’ duties.

Supporting Officers with Advanced Solutions

Modern observation solutions go a step further by incorporating date-and time-stamped recording capabilities, offering a tamper-proof way to document interactions and checks.

Custody officers carry the critical responsibility of conducting regular observations, ensuring detainee safety and maintaining accurate records. The importance of precise documentation cannot be overstated. These records serve as proof that all required observation procedures have been followed, protecting both the officers and the individuals in their care. However, traditional methods often place an administrative burden on officers, leading to stress and increased risk of errors.

Technological advancements have introduced solutions that record observations directly at the cell, equipped with automatic time-stamping and unalterable logs. This reduces the workload for officers and ensures that records are always accurate and reliable. With less administrative strain, officers can focus more on detainee care, improving overall operational efficiency and reducing stress.

When records are time-stamped and accurately documented, they demonstrate a commitment to accountability, fair treatment and duty of care. It effectively prevents false accusations against officers for unauthorised and / or prolonged observations, thereby supporting privacy for detainees. This transparency not only reassures the public but also supports independent oversight bodies. It simplifies the investigation process and confirms that proper procedures were followed, through a comprehensive audit trail.

Embracing Smart Custody Technology  

Smart Hatch technology is a key example of how modern advancements can reshape the custody environment. This on-demand smart glass technology lets officers switch the viewing window from obscure to clear, enhancing monitoring while respecting detainee privacy. Each observation is automatically logged, providing a verifiable record that supports accountability and ensures adherence to custody protocols.

The adoption of advanced technologies like Smart Hatch is more than just a practical upgrade for custody suites. It supports the safety, transparency and trustworthiness of police operations, empowering custody officers to fulfil their duties with confidence and precision.