MASSIVE Update to NYS Correction's Page

[WatnNY]

I'm in the process of doing a MASSIVE update to the NYS Correction's Page. I am doing the main frequencies to the prisons first - then will go back and do the licenses and other freqs associated with the prisons.

Enjoy all.

Mike

 

[Warthog1]

Thanks Mike !

 

[DaveNF2G]

I'm looking forward to this one. I still have some unidentifieds in my area.

 

[LathamScan]

One thing to keep in mind about the various Correctional Facilities around the state...

At most of them, there will be two operating channels. One channel, typically using a repeater, is the day to day operations of the facility. The second channel, which is typically lower power and not repeated is the alarm system. This is only used by CO's to send an alarm to control if there is a problem. A lot of times control will use it as an intercom to broadcast messages one-way.

Now, at some of the larger facilities, the maintenance staff are using a different frequency that is simplex to talk amongst each other.

 

[WatnNY]

Kevin - you're semi-right. The "second channel" that you're speaking of are two-way radios, set up like the state police "duplex", where you have to listen to both freqs to hear both sides of the conversation. The channel or system is referred to as "PAS" or "Personal Alarm System", but it is a two way radio system.

Mike

 

[DaveNF2G]

Kevin's explanation was correct about 30 years ago. When I worked in a dispatch center, we had an experimental UHF PAS receiver for a while.

 

[LathamScan]

I didn't realize they were doing two-way voice comm's now over the PAS. When I used to maintain Coxsacie & Greene's radio systems they only used the PAS for control to CO announcements. If a CO with a PAS radio wanted to send a "minor" alarm, they would click the PTT and send the GE-STAR ID. If it was a "major" alarm, then they would pull the pin and send the GE-STAR Emergency ID.

But from what I understand, most facilities are replacing the M/A-Com Panther 605P portables with a Kenwood radio (I don't know the exact model). I was told it is cheaper for DOCS to replace the radios rather than pay to repair, and the cost of the Kenwood radios is (or was) considerably less than the 605P when they were being manufactured.

Before I left the two-way radio business last September, Greene CF already was using Kenwood radios for the PAS system, and I think Coxsackie was getting ready to switch over. The maintenance staff at Coxsackie was already using Kenwood portables. The mobiles at both facilities were still M/A-Com Orion dual-band mobiles, VHF & UHF.

Since Harris took over, I don't believe they offer a low-cost product, either mobile or portable.

 

[62Truck]

I've seen some CO's from Downstate and GreenHaven with the TK-3180's with the HICap batteries.

 

[WatnNY]

LathamScan - you are partially correct that the PAS bases are used for announcements - but the portables can also talk to the base. They are usually assigned to areas where if the inmates got a hold of it (like housing units) that they would not be able to talk to each other. And yes, DOCS is switching to Kenwood portables - cheaper is probably the reason.

Mike

 

[GTR8000]

I just finished reorganizing the entire page, as well as changed the agency name to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) which reflects the April 2011 merger of the Department of Correctional Services and the Division of Parole.

 

[GTR8000]

The following entries were deleted due to the facilities being permanently closed by the State:

Arthur Kill CF
Camp Georgetown
Fulton CF
Mid Orange CF
Moriah SICF
Ogdensburg CF
Oneida CF
Summit SICF

 

[WatnNY]

Ogdensburg CF is NOT closed. I don't think Mid Orange is closed yet, but I could be wrong!

Mike

 

[sc800]

Mid Orange is closed, at least there are no imates there anymore. There may be four or five DOCCS staff members and one OGS or contracted security guard there, but no one else.

 

[WatnNY]

Roger that on Mid Orange. But I know Ogdensburg isn't closed!

Mike