"At HMP Bedford we are always looking for ways to improve our security procedures and systems. We had identified that the visits process was an area of real concern, and wanted to find a better way of managing visits. In particular:
We had no photographic or biometric information to identify visitors reliably
- Reliable visits information was difficult to record, analyse and report, and so of little use for the Security Dept
- We were at risk of loosing a prisoner through visits
We decided to introduce a new visits booking system to address these concerns. We needed to find a supplier with the right solution for the demanding needs of a prison environment. We also wanted a company with a solution that is easy for Visits Officers to learn and use, and with a reliable support service to help us fix problems quickly.
We invited various companies to demonstrate their solution and show us how they could work with us. Photobase stood out as a company with a strong track record of high security solutions, a very good reputation in technical support and training, and a solution that had everything we needed in Visits and Security, like:
- Lids update via the transfer disk (4x4/5x5)
- Postcode lookup facility
- Biometric security
- True accountability for persons in the visit area
- Multiple reports based on Visitor activities
Photobase went further than others to reassure us and addressed more issues than we thought possible. They also put together a leasing package that really took the pressure away from our capital budgets - so we have spread the cost over the life of the system.
HMP Bedford chose Photobase because they address our visits management needs with a complete solution that is easy to use, very secure, proven and well supported. We also have the real sense that they are keen to work as partners - this was not just a sales operation for them.
For these reasons, we are certain we've chosen an excellent solution. We are proud to associate ourselves with Photobase Ltd and look forward to working together in the future."
Guy Baulf, Governor
H M Prison Bedford
May 2005 |