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SECURITY
ELECTRONICS
CONTRACTORS
REPORT 2015
This report is published by Correctional News, the information source for the correctional construction market.
Visit us online at www.correctionalnews.com
2015 ANNUAL SECURITY ELECTRONICS
CONTRACTORS LIST
Annual Revenues Under $5 Million
Annual Revenues Over $6 Million
Annual Revenues
$15 Million and Over
Company
Contact
Geographic Area
Covered
Annual Revenue
Sierra Detention Systems Inc.
Brighton, Colo.
www.sierracompanies.com
Bryan Trojan
303-278-6879
U.S.
Argyle Security
San Antonio, Texas
www.argylesecurity.com
Buddy Johns
210-495-5245
North America
$35 million
Cornerstone Electronics
(Trentech, ECS and EO ISI)
Montgomery, Ala.
www.cornerstonedetention.com
David Beeler
509-482-6215
U.S. & International
Accurate Controls Inc.
Ripon, Wis.
www.accuratecontrols.com
TJ Rogers
920-748-6603
P2 Controls
Malvern, Pa.
p2abc.com
Largest Contract
in Past Year
Value of Jobs
Under Contract
Completed
Projects in
Past Year
$41 million
29
$4.4 million
$29.3 million
164
$22 million
$3.3 million
$24 million
30
U.S.
$18 million
$4.5 million
$35 million
65
Nicholas Carman
610-644-8300
U.S. & International
$10.1 million
$3.75 million
$5.3 million
37
CML RW Security
Erie, Colo.
www.theRWcompanies.com
J.J. Ramsey
303-704-6036
U.S. & International
<$10 million
$8 million
$35 million
9
Southern Folger
San Antonio, Texas
www.southernfolger.com
Michael Chike
210-531-4155
U.S.
$7 million
$1.3 million
$7.3 million
15
Esitech Inc.
Richmond, Va.
www.esitechinc.com
Bill Denton
804-672-3223
East of Rocky
Mountains
$6.2 million
$3.6 million
$3.5 million
16
South Western Communications
Inc. (SWC)
Decatur, Ala.
www.swc.net
Rick Holmes
256-351-2445
U.S.
$6.2 million
$2.8 million
$6.9 million
31
Sweeper Metal Fabricators
Corporation
Drumright, Okla.
www.sweepermetal.com
John Schiffmacher U.S.
918-352-2133
$3.2 million
$1.25 million
$2.8 million
13
Justice Systems Corp.
Kent, Wash.
www.justicesys.com
Paul Allyn
425-392-2328
Western U.S.,
Pacific Coast
$3 million
$1 million
$6 million
12
Simpson Security Systems Inc.
Alexandria, La.
www.simpsonssecurity.com
Keith Simpson
318-443-3391
Gulf Coast,
Southern U.S.
$3 million
$1.4 million
$1 million
13
Easter-Owens
Arvada, Colo.
www.easterowens.com
Erica Easter
303-431-0111
North America
$2.4 million
$1.4 million
$13.5 million
156
Secure Control Systems Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
www.securecontrolsystems.com
Brian Mikiten 210-530-5245
North America
N/A
N/A
N/A
6
$38 million
$3.6 million
*Bulk of data for 2015 SEC List is based on information collected from 2014 records.
Security Electronics Contractors Report 2015
page 2
Value of Current Jobs Under Contract
Number of Employees
1 Argyle Security
158
1 Sierra Detention Systems Inc.
$41 million
2 Sierra Detention Systems Inc.
110
2 Accurate Controls Inc.
$35 million
3 CML RW Security
97
3 CML RW Security
4 Simpson Security Systems Inc.
70
4 Argyle Security
5 Accurate Controls Inc.
63
5 Cornerstone Electronics
6 Easter-Owens
60
6 Easter-Owens
7 Cornerstone Electronics
45
7 Southern Folger
$7.3 million
8 South Western Communications Inc.
32
8 South Western Communications Inc.
$6.9 million
9 Esitech Inc.
26
9 Justice Systems Corp.
10 Secure Control Systems Inc.
$35 million
$29.3 million
$24 million
$13.5 million
$6 million
10 P2 Controls
22
$5.3 million
Completed Projects in Past Year
1 Argyle Security
164
2 Easter-Owens
156
3 Accurate Controls Inc.
65
4 P2 Controls
37
5 South Western Communications Inc.
31
Annual Revenue
80
70
In Millions
60
2013
50
2014
40
30
20
10
0
Sierra
Detention
Systems
Argyle
Security
Cornerstone
Accurate
Controls Inc.
P2 ABC
Controls
CML RW
Southern
Folger
Esitech
South
Western
Comm. Inc.
2
Security Electronics Contractors Report 2015
page 3
SEC ROUNDTABLE
The Ever-Changing World of SECs
By Jessie Fetterling
Correctional News spoke with four
SEC industry leaders to catch up on the
evolving needs of SEC clients and the
future of SECs. Keith Thoene, president,
CML RW Security LLC; David Beeler,
vice president, Cornerstone Electronics;
Russell Pilcher, CEO, Sierra Detention
Systems; and Buddy Johns, president
and CEO, Argyle Security, all weigh in
on what’s new and next in the industry.
Q: What are some of the current needs
of SEC clients today?
Thoene: Facilities are reaching out
more and more for service and support.
Thoene
Beeler
With the aforementioned transition from
the maintenance personnel to the IT
department, sometimes the more immediate security needs can be lost in the mountain of IT requests that are coming into
the IT department in any given week.
Beeler: Ongoing managed services
are being requested because modern
systems require advanced training and
skill sets to maintain. Some facilities
have staff with this knowledge base.
Others should consider appropriate service agreements. Clients also need faster
response times for repair. Facilities are
employing less correctional officers,
which indirectly or directly makes them
rely on the electronics more.
Pilcher: The client needs a system
that is not only tank-tough, but nimble,
intuitive and looks both forward and
backward. In today’s economic climate,
security upgrades for correctional institu-
tions are many times a difficult resolution to pass by popular vote. As a result,
SEC upgrades must be future-proofed to
the fullest extent that is technologically
possible. If a county purchases a camera
last year, and that camera has a five-year
shelf life, should the county have to
throw away that camera at the end of
those years? Too often the integrators
are pushing to sell the end users a new
product rather than incorporate their old
technology with forward-looking software and hardware. At Maricopa County,
we found a way to use 6,000 existing
cameras with 3,000 new cameras easing
the operational and economical transition
for the county.
Pilcher
Johns
Standardization is of the utmost
importance to today’s owner. Many owners control more than one facility and
must adhere to court-imposed compliance criteria as well as multiple county
agencies requiring access to their system. A universally accepted system with
a single-source of responsibility eases
many issues today’s owner encounters. A
true design-build partner that can accept
responsibility from conceptual design to
ongoing maintenance solves many of
these problems.
Johns: Service agreements, preventive maintenance programs, technical
support and ultimately refresher training
classes for their staff and operational personnel are what clients need. As the
technology becomes more advanced the
user must also be more informed. As
more of the systems become digital and
IP is more prevalent, a seamless integra-
Security Electronics Contractors Report 2015
tion with the IT departments becomes
more important.
Q: How are changing technologies
affecting SECs?
Thoene: Our programming staff has
probably seen the largest change. Things
have really shifted from seeking out
more of a machine control/PLC specialist to more of a GUI interface specialist.
This is driven by more ever-demanding
specifications outlining numerous theories of control operations and systems
integrations.
Beeler: With a heavier emphasis on
IP-based systems, we are keeping current by training and hiring that knowledge base.
Pilcher: The barriers that existed
between new-age IT departments and
timeless sheriff’s offices are beginning
to crumble. One of the keys to doing so
is creating an interface and system that
is both user-friendly yet highly functional and forward looking. As our system
has evolved, we cannot turn a blind eye
to the end user. This has resulted in
more customer-direct communication,
learning exactly what their needs are in
a fully operational system. The technology has evolved from a commoditybased, one-size-fits-all system, to a highly personalized, supremely individual
interface, catered to the specific needs
of the facility.
The gap is widening between SECs
that choose not to make the investments
to be forward looking and those that do.
When presented with the two options,
the end user is immediately aware of the
difference when the end product is
examined. It is the responsibility of the
industry to not allow the lowest common
denominator from a technological perspective to be forced upon counties in
the area of human safety.
Johns: The SEC must maintain a current training program and relationship
with vendors to allow for shared information and knowledge on products and inte-
page 4
SEC ROUNDTABLE
gration, as the manufacturers evolve their products to meet the
needs and changes of the security industry. More networktrained programmers, engineers and fabrication technicians are
being utilized in the design and implementation of each system.
Q: How is green building affecting SECs?
Thoene: There has not been a tremendous impact from
green or LEED building initiatives on the SEC market. This
industry generates little construction waste and does not have a
large amount of flexibility with the rigid security parameters in
which we are held.
Beeler: We are seeing a movement towards modern pneumatic locks and operators because they require less energy and
overall maintenance.
ects ever for [the California Department of Corrections and
Rehabilitation]. This project includes several unique systems
such as a lethal fence system. In these types of challenging
scope items, CML RW can prove our capabilities designing
and installing certain projects that may dissuade others due to
the complexity.
Beeler: The Snake River Correctional Institution in
Ontario, Ore., was a recently completed upgrade project that
included 50-plus touch screens. The challenge was the size of
the project and the quick eight- to 10-month turnaround
desired by the facility. It was an existing facility that required a
phased roll out with limited interruptions to keep the occupied
facility operational. Planning the timing with the owner for
every step proved very successful for the owner and for us.
"With a heavier emphasis on IP-based systems,
we are keeping current by training and hiring that
knowledge base," said Beeler.
Pilcher: The biggest example of green building we have
seen is the introduction of building automation to the correctional industry. SECs are now being called upon to not only have
purview of doors, locks and cameras, but also to oversee management of plumbing, water control, boilers and air-handling
units. It has resulted in Sierra needing to be more versatile and
well rounded in the talent it employs. Rather than searching for
talent only in the corrections industry, we have broadened our
talent pool to include those individuals with expansive technology experience. A nice byproduct of this need has been the cross
training afforded to our teams with viewpoints and experiences
outside of the realm we normally encounter.
Johns: The SEC systems are being integrated with other
building systems to more efficiently operate the buildings themselves. SEC systems generate a great deal of data that is now able
to cross over into these other building systems.
Q: Can you describe a project that you are currently working
on or have recently completed?
Thoene: We are currently building the security system for
the Donovan Infill Complex in San Diego. This has been a very
enjoyable project for our staff because of the tremendous talent that we work with daily as we go through the design-build
process. All parties — the owner, architect, general contractor
and consultants — have really worked together as a team to
navigate through one of the first design-build correction proj-
Pilcher: We are in the final phases of the Maricopa County,
Ariz., electronics retrofit, which to our knowledge is the singlelargest electronics retrofit in the history of the industry. In this
project, we were able to incorporate the elements mentioned
earlier: standardization, forward and backward looking technology, and maintenance and technical support on an ongoing
basis with a service-level agreement of two hours. We view the
county not as a customer, but as a true partner. The county had
highly specialized instructions and directives for the operation
of their security system. It was only through constant communication and collaborative efforts that we were able to provide
exactly what the end user required.
Johns: Most of our new projects involve working with the
customer to assist them in the transition from older technology
to newer technology. It is my responsibility to provide options
and solutions to each customer on their current systems in
place and what can or cannot communicate with the new security components and systems. We have to stay current on the
Security Electronics Contractors Report 2015
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page 5
SEC ROUNDTABLE
next generation of devices being introduced into the security
industry, while understanding the existing systems that are
being utilized and maintained at each customer’s location. It is
not feasible to just throw out old technology and replace it with
everything new. We have a responsibility to maximize the value
of legacy systems and still give our customers the benefits of
advancing technology.
Q: What is the future of the industry and your company’s
involvement in it?
Thoene: We believe that there will continue to be a focus
on smaller facility additions and renovations versus large new
facilities. The inmate population is declining in many areas due
to several reasons such as alternate sentencing and relaxing
drug laws. These trends will probably persist and continue to
place more focus on extending the life of buildings that are big
enough for the population and modifying those which need to
Pilcher: We have crossed the threshold and made an
investment in breaking the status quo by guiding owners
through a new procurement method — one of collaboration
and partnership rather than lowest common denominator of
both form and function. We have attacked the dispute problem and resolved the multi-participant scope gap issue and
have implemented this on many of our contracts from as
large as Maricopa, Ariz., to as small as Brighton, Colo. These
projects are under budget and ahead of schedule. In the
future, we continue to invite owners, architects and consultants to our state-of-the-art Concept Center, the only center of
its type, so they can see these solutions implemented in reallife functionality.
Johns: Our industry is becoming much more technologically advanced. The future leaders of our industry will be those
who take this technology and turn it into user-friendly, easily
implemented and continuously operated systems. Our end
"We have a responsibility to maximize the value of
legacy systems and still give our customers the benefits
of advancing technology," said Johns.
meet current classifications and facility programs. CML RW
Security simply hopes to continue servicing our customers’
needs as they change with time. We pride ourselves in not trying to be everything to everybody and feel that a smaller client
base that is extremely pleased with our performance will pay
out in the end.
Beeler: The systems have grown more advanced, software
based and network reliant. The networks are also increasingly
joined with county or state networks, which increases the possibility for viruses, and worse, hacking of the systems. Our industry has not had to deal with these threats — yet. The base PLC
systems in use today were designed 25 years ago. They are
solid, dependable, non-proprietary, but also were never
designed with security in mind. In addition, Windows-based
PCs have to be regularly maintained with the latest security
patches. The best, but not foolproof, scenario is to isolate the
detention network from the rest of the world, but ironically,
owners and IT groups are increasingly desiring the exact opposite for connectivity and sharing of information. To compensate,
we are testing and implementing military-grade technologies to
monitor the detention computers in real time for changes that
could be harmful or compromise security.
users have a job to do, and our job will be to make their job easier. Our industry is changing from a detective security environment to a preventative security environment. Furthermore, this
change from detective to preventive measures gives an ROI to
the end user. Our systems can and will provide value. The information gathered from our video, audio and access control systems will provide information that can enhance a facility’s operations, reduce operational costs and provide for compliance
enforcement and review. Security electronics systems are now
a valuable management information tool.
Security Electronics Contractors Report 2015
page 6
SEC REPORT
End of Life for Popular Jail System
By Bryan Trojan
Bosch Security Systems, one of the major manufacturers of
Security Electronics equipment, announced the End of Life
(EOL) of one of their most popular systems, the DiBos 8 Hybrid
Recorder/IP Recorder Software and Accessories. This change
not only impacts integrators, but also various counties and jails
with this type of hardware currently operating in their facility.
The DiBos 8 Hybrid Recorders and IP Recorder Software and
Accessories have long been a staple in jails and prisons across the
country. Their ease of use, affordability and vast availability has
made them prominent in the corrections sector. However, this
announcement by Bosch should send warning signals to many facilities across the country. With parts no longer being manufactured
and serviced, facilities will need to turn to the secondary market (i.e.
eBay) to procure parts for routine maintenance and troubleshooting
issues. Reliance on these markets could frighten facility managers
across the country.
Fear not, the situation is not entirely doom and gloom for
facilities. A new, IP-based system offers enhancements that
improve the functionality and versatility of a security system,
offering vast improvements over old technology:
• The system architecture of a new, IP-based system, which
is tax-deductible, allows for gradual upgrades. Customers now
have the alternative to build their system as needed. The initial
cost of a replacement system can be spread over time, allowing
the system to grow with the end-user. There is no need to purchase the full capability at the onset of a project if that capability
will not be put to use immediately. End-users can customize their
purchase to only what is absolutely necessary.
• The older, limited systems of the past, restricted users to
eight, 16 or 32 cameras. New IP-based systems are unlimited in
the quantity of cameras. The only limitations existing are license
size and storage capabilities. Counties that have recently upgraded know the cost of storage is one of the greatest costs of a new
system. However, because of the new system’s ability to grow,
this cost can be spread over time.
• The new technology offers more dense storage. Instead of a
DVR topping out at 2-8TB, facility storage is limitless. In areas
such as California where storage requirements can be as long as
13 months, entire rooms devoted to video storage are no longer
needed. What used to be accomplished in entire rooms can now
be accomplished in a few equipment racks.
• The days of grainy, out-of-focus video is now a thing of the
past. Digital systems support high-resolution streams of 720pixel or 1080-pixel, high-definition video, making facial recognition no longer an issue. With the upgraded video quality, facilities
have been able to decrease their overall camera count because
better quality cameras are able to cover more square footage.
It should be noted that a quality, certified integrator is necessary to install and configure a new IP-based system. Facilities
should be aware that due to programming issues, systems are no
longer “plug-and-play.” An integrator that performs as a partner,
listening to the needs of the facility, is an absolute must. Life-safety issues are one of the most important aspects of this industry
and should never be taken lightly. A new, IP-based system is not
only safer, but more user-friendly, and offers technological advantages unforeseen as little as 10 years ago.
Bryan Trojan is the business development and marketing manager at Sierra Detention.
DIGITAL EDITION
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Security Electronics Contractors Report 2015
page 7