At GFT, we understand the complex ecosystem of a justice facility and how the Central Control room serves as the nerve center, orchestrating security, movement, response, and communication. Its placement within the facility, whether directly overlooking key areas like hallways or situated in a secure, remote location, presents a critical design decision that impacts operational efficiency, staff performance, and overall safety and security. This article, The Central Control Conundrum, explores the benefits and trade-offs of these two approaches, emphasizing the pivotal role of Central Control staff in monitoring security systems, controlling movement, and ensuring seamless operations. Additionally, it explores the significance of ergonomic design in Central Control rooms, including the utilization of sit-stand consoles and the optimal positioning relative to video walls, while highlighting how owner input and design team guidance influence the final configuration.
The Role of Central Control
The Central Control room is the primary security location of a justice facility, tasked with maintaining safety and security through vigilant oversight. Staff are responsible for monitoring video surveillance, managing movement, security communication, and overseeing perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS). They control all access door controls which all serve to manage inmate and staff movement, and respond to emergencies, ensuring the officers can move quickly throughout the building. The physical placement of the Central Control location, whether in a direct line of sight to key areas or in a secure, isolated location, can significantly influence its effectiveness.
Direct Monitoring: The Advantages of Proximity
Positioning Central Control to directly monitor hallways and other critical areas (as pictured in main image above) can offer a distinct operational advantage. A line-of-sight view enhances situational awareness, enabling staff to observe activities in real-time without relying solely on video feeds. This direct visibility can be crucial in high-traffic areas like corridors, or other areas where quick detection of unusual behavior can prevent incidents from escalating. For example, staff can immediately spot unauthorized gatherings or suspicious movements, enabling faster response times.
Direct monitoring also fosters a psychological deterrent. The visible presence of a control room overlooking hallways can discourage rule-breaking, as inmates and visitors are aware of constant observation. This configuration can reduce the likelihood of contraband exchanges or physical altercations. Additionally, this level of direct oversight allows staff to corroborate video surveillance with their own observations, reducing the risk of missing critical details due to camera blind spots or technical glitches.
However, this approach can present some challenges for staff. A control room with direct visibility is often more exposed, potentially compromising its security. Windows or vantage points that allow staff to see out can also allow others to see in, which could make the control room a target during disturbances, and the position of Video Walls – can create viewing angles of monitors which can compromise the clarity of view. More detail on this issue is offered later in this summation.
Additionally, the noise and activity of nearby hallways can distract operators, potentially hindering their focus on monitoring complex systems like door breach alarms, Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), radio, or duress.
Remote Security: The Benefits of Isolation
Alternatively, locating Central Control in a secure, remote area of the facility (as pictured in images below) prioritizes staff safety and system integrity. By isolating the control room designers can:
- reduce the risk of unauthorized access or attacks
- ensuring that critical operations remain uninterrupted during emergencies
- reduce the volume of collateral duties that often default to control rooms with more open and public access by minimizing distractions, allowing operators to concentrate on their primary responsibilities: monitoring video, managing movement, and responding to alarms.
This setup is particularly advantageous in larger facilities where direct oversight of all areas is impractical. Advanced video surveillance systems, coupled with high-resolution monitors and real-time PIDS alerts, enable staff to maintain comprehensive oversight without needing physical proximity. A remote Central Control can also be designed with enhanced security features, such as reinforced walls, secure access points, and backup power systems, ensuring continuity of operations during power outages or security breaches.
The disadvantage of a remote location is the reliance on technology. Camera failures, network lags, or blind spots can hinder situational awareness, potentially delaying responses to incidents. Additionally, staff may feel disconnected from the facility’s daily operations, which could impact their morale and ability to anticipate issues based on subtle, on-the-ground cues.
Balancing Priorities: Owner Input and Design Team Guidance
The decision to place Central Control in a direct-monitoring or remote location hinges on the facility’s specific needs, guided by owner input and the design team’s expertise. Owners bring operational insights, articulating priorities such as response times, staff safety, or budget constraints. Design teams, including justice architects and engineers, translate these needs into practical solutions, considering factors like facility layout, circulation requirements, technology infrastructure, and regulatory requirements.
For instance, a large facility comprising 20 or more housing units might prioritize a remote, fortified control room within the building to protect against distractions and internal threats, while a smaller facility with a smaller footprint might opt for direct oversight to maximize visibility. Design teams also evaluate long-term operational costs, such as maintenance of surveillance systems versus the construction of secure, isolated spaces. Collaborative discussions ensure that the chosen location aligns with the facility’s security goals and operational workflow.
Ergonomics: The Foundation of Effective Central Control
Regardless of its location, the Central Control room’s design must prioritize ergonomics to support staff performance. Historically, operators often work long shifts, monitoring multiple screens, responding to intercom calls, and managing movement controls. Poorly designed consoles and workstations can lead to fatigue, reduced focus, and even health issues, compromising the facility’s security.
Sit-Stand Consoles
Sit-stand consoles are a cornerstone of modern control room design. These adjustable workstations enable operators to alternate between sitting and standing, thereby reducing the physical strain associated with prolonged sitting. Studies show that sit-stand setups can decrease discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders, improving focus and productivity. In a Central Control environment, where staff must remain alert for extended periods, this flexibility is crucial. For example, standing during high-stress situations, such as responding to an alarm, can enhance blood flow and mental acuity, while sitting during routine monitoring supports comfort.
Optimal Positioning and Video Wall Design
As mentioned earlier, the placement of operators relative to video walls is another critical ergonomic consideration. Video walls, often displaying dozens of surveillance feeds, are the primary interface for monitoring. Operators should be positioned at a distance that minimizes eye strain, typically 1.5 to 2 times the diagonal width of the video wall. For a 100-inch video wall, this translates to a viewing distance of approximately 12 feet or more. This distance ensures that operators can scan multiple feeds without excessive head or eye movement, reducing fatigue. However, dependent on the size of the individual feeds of the video surveillance cameras, closer viewing distances may be optimal.
The height and angle of monitors also matter. Screens should be positioned at or slightly below eye level to prevent neck strain. Adjustable monitor arms and consoles allow operators to customize their setup, accommodating individual preferences and ensuring comfort during long shifts. Adequate lighting, with minimal glare on screens, further enhances visibility and reduces eye strain.
Additional Ergonomic Features
Beyond consoles and video walls, other ergonomic features include adjustable chairs with lumbar support, anti-fatigue flooring for standing operators, and soundproofing to minimize distractions from external noise or intercom chatter. Climate control is also essential, as operators need a comfortable temperature to maintain focus. These elements collectively create a work environment where staff can perform their high-stakes duties effectively.
Striking the Right Balance
The Central Control Conundrum, whether to prioritize direct oversight or secure isolation has no one-size-fits-all solution. Direct monitoring provides real-time visibility and a psychological deterrent, but it may compromise security and increase distractions. A remote location enhances safety and focus but relies heavily on technology and may reduce situational awareness. The optimal design emerges from a collaborative process, where owner priorities and design team expertise converge to address the facility’s unique needs.
Ergonomics plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Central Control staff can execute their responsibilities, monitoring surveillance, controlling movement, and managing security systems, minimizing physical or mental fatigue. Sit-stand consoles, strategic positioning relative to video walls, and thoughtful environmental design create a workspace that supports vigilance and efficiency.
Ultimately, the success of a Central Control room relies on its ability to balance visibility, security, and operator well-being. By carefully evaluating the benefits of each approach and emphasizing ergonomic design, justice facilities can establish a Central Control that provides a strong foundation for safety and operational excellence.
Tom Pilson is a Principal specializing in Justice Security at GFT, with more than 30 years of experience in the security planning and design of justice, correctional, and juvenile facilities nationwide. Throughout his career, Tom has focused on creating environments that are safe and secure for inmates, residents, staff, and the surrounding community. His work is guided by a philosophy of normative and humane design, delivering facilities that are functional, secure, durable, and thoughtfully designed to support long-term operations. By balancing security requirements with human-centered design principles, Tom helps clients achieve facilities that are both effective today and resilient for the future. Reach out to Tom at tpilson@gftinc.com
