Strengthen Your Detention Facility with a Master Key System

How many keys from different manufacturers does your detention facility use? It’s not an uncommon problem for correctional institutions, especially as they expand or age. But disparate keys create higher operational costs and staff inefficiencies. Separate systems can even lead to security compromises. 

There’s a better way – use a master key system to control all openings.

Learn how eliminating multiple keys will streamline access control, training, maintenance, and inventory management for your jail or prison.  

When Locks Multiply

Renovation and expansion are one of the main reasons that correctional institutions have multiple key systems. Changing demographics and their associated needs often necessitate modifications to the original building. As facilities are updated to accommodate mental and behavior health, substance abuse treatment, aging inmates, and shifts in gender ratios, a unified key system may get lost in the shuffle.

Cost is another contributing factor. Prison hardware is a specialty product with a higher price point than a standard lock and key. It’s not unusual for a location to have office door hardware from Company A and prison door hardware from Company B as a cost-saving measure. But that means anyone who needs access to different sections will require multiple sets of keys.   

There’s also retrofit compatibility. Not all manufacturers have offerings that span commercial and institutional applications or have one-to-one replacements. Even a routine rekeying project when components reach their life expectancy can present a challenge. 

Multiple Keys, Multiple Problems

Separate key systems are an administrative hassle because they create barriers to operational efficiency. These negative impacts range from staff frustration to inventory complexities – all of which sacrifice the preparedness of your facility.

Problem #1 - Wasted Time

Explanation: Every trip to a key cabinet is a potential misuse of labor. If a staff member spends 10 minutes per day retrieving a key, those minutes add up to around an hour per week. Multiply that hour across every employee with keys, and it represents a significant block of time that could be used more productively.

Problem #2 - Duplication Risk

Explanation: Older systems often aren’t patent protected, which makes them vulnerable to duplication. A patented key’s profile cannot be copied by a third party, with strict fines and legal consequences as a deterrent.

Problem #3 - Inventory Hassle

The larger the lock shop, the more complicated inventory management is. Multiple key systems require matching key machines, which increases investment expenses and space requirements. Recordkeeping becomes more complex as well.  

Problem #4 - Maintenance Headache

Every manufacturer has different service specifications for their keys and locking mechanisms. More key systems mean additional maintenance protocols your staff have to know. The learning curve for training becomes steeper and more time consuming with every additional system.  

Problem #5 - Higher replacement costs

Separate systems come at a higher rekeying cost. Especially as facilities age, many legacy products have a price premium since they aren’t widely available.

A Single Key Solution

A master key system greatly improves and simplifies a correctional facility’s access control. Approve users to move through different levels of security using a single key as well as create keys for sub groups with specific permissions. Unifying your key program is a strategic decision that will improve multiple facets of your detention center’s operations.

About ASSA Locks

ASSA offers a versatile portfolio of mogul cylinders and master key systems specifically for detention centers. These high-security products are UL 437 listed and ASTM F1577 6.6 compliant. They are retrofit compatible with most Grade 1 locksets. Auxiliary locking solutions for cabinets, storage, and lockers can also fall under our master key system.

Interested in a key system consult? Email Sam Wilson at sam.wilson@assaabloy.com, visit ASSALock.com, or fill out the form below for more information.