UK prison deploys DIMETRA™ Express
for reliable, mission-critical communications

Supporting secure communications at HMP Five Wells.

During the construction of HMP Five Wells, G4S approached Radiocoms Systems Ltd, as G4S’s preferred supplier, to specify and design a new two-way radio solution capable of delivering seamless coverage, increased bandwidth, and crystal-clear audio across the entire prison site.

Radiocoms recommended a single-site DIMETRA Express radio system for its reliability and flexibility. Indeed, the network design had to be developed and adapted as the new build progressed, to ensure the signal remained strong in all areas. A particularly challenging area proved to be the thick concrete structures of the outlying house blocks, positioned at the bottom of the site’s hill and, to further boost the signal in this zone, Radiocoms decided to install some off-air cell enhancers.

Other challenges that presented themselves as the prison became more populated included the need for training to ensure appropriate radio use, growing user numbers, and evolving talk groups.

Mission-critical communications built for reliability and accountability.

The DIMETRA Express network comprises an MTS4 base station and TRBOnet (for dispatch and voice recording) running on dispatcher computers in the central control room. The MTS4 provides one control channel and seven traffic channels. It has been installed in a dual-base radio configuration for redundancy; if the primary base radio should fail, the secondary base radio automatically takes over, ensuring uninterrupted communications. Redundancy and reliability are essential, as the radio system is the main form of communication on site. The radios mostly operate on the main channel for all staff, called ‘main net’. However, if users wish to talk to a targeted group, Radiocoms has configured various sub-talk groups, including security, emergency, visits, and maintenance.

A pool of 420 MXP600 TETRA radios was introduced so that staff across a variety of functions including those working in security, the gatehouse, house blocks, services, visits, and facilities have instant access to reliable communications, without the need for individually assigned devices. At the start of each shift, officers securely check out a radio using a biometric system, which automatically links their details to the device. This not only streamlines the allocation process but also provides full accountability, allowing users to be tracked for safety and security purposes throughout their shift. At the end of the day, radios are returned to a secure charging cabinet, guaranteeing they are recharged and ready for the next team, ensuring a seamless handover between shifts.

The MXP600 radios have innovative audio for loud and clear voice communication, an emergency button with transmit interrupt, and a long battery life. Staff have been issued with a carry holster and an earpiece. The carry holster enables users to comfortably wear the MXP600 radio on their belts. Using the earpiece instead of the radio’s loudspeaker enables discreet communications, where prisoners can’t hear the responses over the radio. Users have praised the MXP600 for its rugged yet lightweight and compact design, as well as its ease of use.

Radiocoms provides training, wraparound support and maintenance, both physically and remotely, including regular over the-air updates and the ability to disable any misplaced radios, ensuring security of communications.

“A dependable radio system is essential for our day-to-day operations as it is our principal means of on-site communication. Our DIMETRA Express system provides reliable, user-friendly communications with easy-to-use radios and loud, clear audio across the site, ensuring our teams can work in a safe, professional, and efficient manner.”

Steven Ashman, Security Manager, HMP Five Wells

A scalable, secure communications platform ready for future integration.

Communications are constant, with thousands of calls made every day, covering a wide range of purposes, including prisoner movements, general daily operations and activities, incidents, and coordinating staff and teams.

In the future, even more redundancy could be built into the system. The solution is also set up for easy integration with other technologies, such as body cameras, and Bluetooth® low energy beacons, for accurate indoor GPS location tracking.

Feedback regarding the ease of installation, audio, radios, capacity, and reliability has been excellent. The security of the network is also a key benefit, considering the confidential nature of communications. Steven Ashman summarises: “At the end of the day, our DIMETRA Express system just operates how it needs to. It is extensively utilised and has become an integral part of our operational framework.”

  Connect with our Account Manager, Simon Bingham.