Glossary

The corrections technology field uses specialized terms from industrial engineering, high-security design, and federal compliance rules. This GovTech glossary defines common terms to help facility planners, IT coordinators, and agencies select and configure systems accurately.

We explain foundational ideas like 'Fail-Secure' door behavior (which keeps locks secure when power is lost to prevent escapes) and contrast it with standard civilian 'Fail-Safe' designs. We also define key database terms like 'Objective Classification' and describe how PLC micro-controllers operate independently from primary computer networks.

This document serves as a helpful reference for teams planning system upgrades, preparing for contract reviews, or designing high-security buildings. We update definitions regularly to keep pages aligned with changing federal guidelines and technological developments.