Because the jail is free of barriers and inmates are grouped into pod areas, a command center was needed that permitted one or two officers to monitor individual pod areas, handle all emergencies, lock and unlock doors, control lighting, and control the entire facility. The system is programmable and allows preprogramming for emergency situations and establishment of procedures for each. For instance, in the event of fire, the system alerts central control, provides transmissions from the camera closest to the situation, and instructs the officer on what actions to take. The system also has an access control component that ties in with the alarm system and controls the doors. The system includes redundant systems to protect employees and keep track of inmate activities that interact with the proprietary communications system. These include a scan pen relay that officers can use to alert receivers at the central control in the event of problems, individual control centers for each pod, and an electronic documentation system. Photographs.