Behind bars — radios for prison management

The Tongan Prisons Department uses Icom radios for the safety of its staff and inmates.

The Icom radios were successfully commissioned following the department’s decision to replace its old radios, which were no longer able to meet requirements.

In order to keep the prison running smoothly, the department needed radios that weren’t flimsy or easily damaged during use. Its old radios had poor battery life and were affected by the tropical humidity — both concerns which the department wanted its new radios to address.

The department also needed its radios to provide clear, reliable communications for officers patrolling both inside and outside the prison, as well as for staff in offices and vehicles. Prisoners are sometimes outside of the prison on day work and officers have occasionally had to chase down escapees, so a range of at least 10 km is needed to cover a mix of built-up and remote areas.

When told of the radio requirements, Greg O’Dwyer, the general manager of one of Icom New Zealand’s dealers, Express Diesel, recommended Icom to the department.

Supplied in October 2014 and installed by a local contractor, a total of 25 radios — 15 IC-F5023s along with 10 IC-F1000s — are now being used, plus 2.5 m antennas, cabling and orange harnesses supplied by Icom.

The radios are MDC-1200 compatible and, unlike the old units, have a long battery life, are lightweight and are able to survive the Tongan humidity. Both models are built for heavy-duty use and provide long-term reliable operation in all manners of environments due to rugged construction and a MIL-STD810 rating. The IC-F1000 is one of the slimmest Icom radios (24.5 mm) and is IP67 rated.

The department is planning to purchase more radios in the coming months.