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Giving the Northern Ireland prison service a helping hand

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies' widely used HandKey hand geometry readers have been installed throughout the Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland.

Before installation, the prison had to rely on guards with keys at every access point to monitor pedestrian traffic.  This system was not only expensive but meant that prison guards could not be used elsewhere should they be needed.  The decision to install HandKey biometric technology has provided many benefits: the automated system is not only cost effective but has freed up resources allowing guards to operate more flexibly.

The readers are connected to the prison's computer system, allowing staff to monitor each access point and its activity.  In addition, the system is used in the prison education department and the prisoner records storage.  It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 staff using the HandKeys at Maghaberry, and that the machines handle hundreds of movements each day.

Director of activities and services, Michael Pepper, comments, "HandKey geometry systems were chosen instead of other biometric systems because they are extremely easy to use and popular with our staff.  The successful use of the HandKeys and their reliability has prompted the expansion of the system into a full access control system for staff."

Manufactured by Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, the HandKey provides the ultimate in security, reliability and convenience, perfect for high volume and high security applications.