The COMS is completely automatic, requires no set-up or maintenance by custody staff. In the event of problems these can normally be remedied over the phone or by remote access to the PC.

The system raises an alarm in the event of a timed period of no movement being detected within a cell.  Staff have to open the door in order to cancel the alarm.  The alarm is addressed to the particular cell and relayed around the Custody Suite by a PA system.

The system operates 365 days a year and can log every cell event, providing full accountability to all those involved. The system can be integrated with CCTV and other IT management systems to enhance the audit trail.

The sensor domes are controlled by a dedicated PC running the COMS software, up to 40 cells can be monitored simultaneously on a single PC. The sensors are completely safe and have been evaluated by NRPB on behalf of the Home Office for confirmation.

The COMS software and hardware has been enhanced and extended to facilitate monitoring other devices; shock, thermal and audio within the cell and call, panic & visit outside the cell.  It is not necessary to have a sensor dome if only events outside the cell are to be monitored

All 'cell events' are logged on the PCs hard drive and automatically backed-up daily in two separate folders. Every seven days these are backed-up again. This provides an audit trail for all those concerned.