Grampian Prison implements temporary ‘virtual visiting’ system

Prisoners being transferred from the soon-to-close Peterhead and Aberdeen jails to the new Grampian Prison, set to open next year, will be able to use a temporary 'virtual visiting' system until the transfer process is complete.

According to a news report on the matter, relatives will be able to use a video link being set up in Aberdeen, at the offices of charity Apex Scotland, to see and speak to them.

Peterhead and Aberdeen prisons governor Audrey Mooney said that: "The person will be in front of a screen.

"It saves money and time and allows regular contact for the prisoners, who could feel remote."

Without a doubt, this initiative is quite an interesting and useful one, and might even have quite a positive long-term effect on the inmates' overall morale. However, implementing a very strict access control / visitor monitoring system for real visitors is also a must, and this is specifically where Tensor could put its extensive experience to very good use.

The Prison Pass solution developed by Tensor has been specifically designed for registering each visitor, both on and off site, and enables HM Prison Service Officers to quickly check the identity and monitor the movements of visitors.

A digital or eyeball camera takes a photo of the visitor, which is later on printed on a bar-coded pass using a high speed printer so each visitor is easily identified. Then, at specific controlled monitor points, the visitor pass badge is simply swiped and a high quality digital image appears to the HM Prison Service Officers thus verifying that the correct person is passing through.

Furthermore, biometrics can be combined with the visitor badges to operate the system, since Tensor's range of dermal fingerprint reading technology gives increased accuracy and reliability, and is perfect for when irrefutable proof of identity is required.

Tensor can offer various financing and rental packages to both private and public sector organizations who wish to install our products. If you'd like to find out more about it, just Contact Us or Book a Demo, our representatives will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.