Security Installation
in Rural
Historic
Courthouses
Significance of Historic
Courthouses in Texas
• Symbol of local pride and
self-government
• Tangible link to the past
• Monument of community
justice
When to start planning security
• Master plans assess and guide security
planning in pre-construction phase
• Security equipment can best be planned
during pre-construction phase to avoid
damaging the features that define the historic
character of the building
Example of
Good Planning
This furr-down
was added to
hold AC
ductwork and
any other wiring
which allows
security wiring
thru the same
space
Wire Chase
Building Integrity
• The goal is to provide highest possible security
• Preserve integrity of historic characteristics
• Compromise to meet both needs
Existing Conditions
• Construction Material Issues in older buildings
– Stone and Brick exterior
– Concrete wall interior
– Ceiling Height
– Domed ceiling
– Columns
– No wire chases
– No attic access
Issues to Address
• Where drilling and mounting can be done
• How to hide wiring
• Recessed security equipment vs
surface mounted
• Where to use conduit and caddy
Cameras
Highest quality image and camera
features while accommodating the
aesthetic integrity of the building
Camera options
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Analog or IP camera
IR for nighttime
Glare reduction for backlit areas
Vari-Focal vs Fixed-Lense
Size of camera
Placement of cameras
Options for mounting
Area to be covered – best angle
Access control
• Limiting public access
• Reduce the number of people with
keys to building.
• Direct public through security
checkpoint
Access options
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mag locks
Slim-line mag lock
Electric Strike
Electronic Dead-bolt
Proximity reader
Slim-line reader
Biometric reader
Camera/Access integration
Snapshots of people entering or
exiting building are combined with
event-log of access control system.
Panic System
• Approx. 95% of TX Courthouses have
wireless panic systems
• Quickest responsemonitored by sheriff vs
monitored by alarm company
Case Study – Milam County
Security was not incorporated
into the planning stage and
options were very limited
Milam County
Access
through
drop
ceiling
for AC
Access
through
beam
Wire
Tray
DVR
PTZ
Angle Base Domes
Case Study – Milam County
• Only 2 possible locations in main hall for
cameras without using caddy
• Mini-domes with IR used in main hall
• PTZ in courtroom above clock
• IP Cube camera used in basement
where network was available
• All entrances covered with no visible
wire or caddy
Milam County
Camera 1:
The courtroom will
receive a PTZ dome
camera and
microphone. The
wires will go through
the wall into the IT
room where a small
piece of wire caddy
will be needed about
5 foot long.
Milam County
Camera 2:
This hallway camera is
a mini-dome. The
wiring will go through
the IT room and use
existing wire chase to
get into hallway
Milam County
Camera 3 & 4:
These 2 cameras are
mini-dome to match
other hall cameras.
The wires will go
through the wall into
the accessible area
where an air
conditioner vent is
located.
Milam County
Camera 5:
The basement camera
is an IP mini-dome. It
will be mounted
above the closet door
and the wiring will go
directly into closet to
the existing switch.
Solutions for Historical Integrity
Problem
Solution
1. Discreet Cameras
2. Camera needed at specific
location after construction
3. Access required on historic
door
4. Panic system where wires
cannot be run
1. Paint base of camera
2. Custom bracket
3. Good security company
4. Wireless panic system
Discreetly Placed Camera
Exterior
Bullet
Camera
painted to
match the
stone
Unique Mounting
Custom made
bracket with 2 cube
cameras
No ability to add cameras
Access Control on
Historic Door
• Solid Ceiling
• Historic Door
Installed motion
detector, request
to exit, reader
and mini-dome
camera with no
visible conduit or
caddy
Wireless
Panic System
• No visible
wires
• No bulky
equipment
Immediate
response to
local Sheriff
radio
Summary
• Security for Historic Properties is best in the preconstruction phase
• Use Highest Quality camera without sacrificing
historical integrity
• User-friendly, simple access control with least
obtrusive equipment
• Wireless panic system with immediate response to
local law enforcement
For any additional questions please email
Ray Dunn rdunn@myshield.org