A novel sensor application to increase security of prisoners in community hospitals

Prisoners in Her Majesty's (HM) Prison Service establishments who require medical treatment are currently taken under guard to civilian community hospitals. PSDB have investigated various means of increasing the security of these prisoners, especially those regarded as presenting a significant risk of escape. PSDB developed the operational requirement for a mattress based pressure sensor alarm system and oversaw the development of the system by a private company. The system was designed to provide an alarm immediately upon a prisoner vacating a bed onto which the mattress sensor had been placed. The aim was to provide a back up to the staff and restraints already in use. This paper describes the sensor, its development and its application to corrections, law enforcement and other areas.