Protecting Correctional Facilities Against Potential Threats
Correctional facilities, whether it be a prison, or detention centre, are unique facilities which require a range of stringent security measures to provide safety and security for inmates and staff. They must also enforce an environment where movement is strictly controlled, to prevent escape, the influx of unauthorised materials and the protection of the wider community.
With a typical facility handling a wide variety of people – inmates, staff and visitors – the demand for access control systems are extreme. Monitoring movements at the perimeter and internally to enforce access authentication requires both robust design with advanced technology. Gunnebo solutions bring advanced technology and design to ensure these facilities are safe for inmates, staff and visitors alike. With an integrated approach to monitoring and controlling the movement of people, security policies can be rigorously enforced while handling at times sensitive situations with the professional care needed. Our solutions in this space are designed to protect from the perimeter, all the way to the internals of the site.
Perimeter Protection
When it comes to corrections, the first area to consider is the perimeter. Designing a facilities perimeter protection helps to mitigate against potential vehicle threats, attempted escapes, unauthorised access or intrusions. Some common ways to protect the perimeter of a correctional facility include:
Physical barriers such as fencing, high walls or street furniture are a great example of utilising physical objects to mitigate against potential escapes or threats. Protecting the perimeter through physical barriers allows to protect both the inside from the out, and vice-versa.
Vehicle barriers such as bollards, gates, barricades or boom barriers help to protect a perimeter against hostile vehicles from impeding on a facility. This style of perimeter protection allows sites to be protected from hostile vehicles and minimising fatal outcomes.
Sallyports
Sallyports can look different for different sites, however the purpose of a sallyport remains the same no matter the location. Their purpose is to control the movement of individuals, vehicles and goods in and out of a facility. These spaces become a secured checkpoint for officials to protect the secured interior from the outside world. Sallyports play a crucial role in enhancing security and safety within correctional institutions by preventing unauthorized entry, controlling the flow of traffic, and facilitating the transfer of inmates, staff, and supplies. Some key features included in a sallyport can include:
- Gates
- Wedge Barriers
- Under Vehicle Scanning
- Bollards
- Boom Gates
- Spikes
- Guard Houses
- Traffic Lights
Access Control
Controlling access is a fundamental piece when it comes to protecting a correctional facility. Ensuring only authorised personnel are entering certain zones allows sites to protect assets and keep people safe. Utilising solutions that are designed for tough environments and work autonomously with electronic systems will provide a layered security approach when it comes to access control. Some modes of controlling access in prisons can include:
Physical barriers such as Full Height Turnstiles for perimeters or outdoor zones, Speed Gates for cafeterias or administration zones, and Security Booths for high security zones are all high security solutions which utilise physical barriers. These types of access control solutions allow for only authorised personnel to enter, reducing the risk of security breaches into protected zones.
Electronic access control systems, including Card readers, Biometric scanners, and Keypad entry systems, are utilised to grant or deny access to specific areas within the facility based on individual credentials. Authorised personnel are issued access cards, PIN codes, or undergo biometric authentication to gain entry, while unauthorised individuals are denied access. Utilising equipment with strong integration capabilities is key for sites wanting additional layers of security.
Interlocking doors that create a chamber like environment such as the SkySas is an ideal solution to provide the right level of protection against manual attacks, ballistic or blast resistance for sensitive areas – without compromising freedom of movement for authorised individuals or efficiency of operation within the site.
Attack Rated Solutions
Blast, Bullet and Attack rated solutions are often an ideal choice when designing a prison, especially in high risk locations such as visitor and administration areas. These types of solutions protect against the threat of weapons, manual attacks, and explosives; ultimately protecting people and assets from physical harm. Some ways blast, bullet or attack rated solutions can be integrated into a correctional facility include:
Building hardening can include Walls, Windows, Doors, or Roller Shutters installed on the facade of a building to ultimately strengthen the facility from threats. Installing protection on the outer layers of a building assists to protect the secured internal facility.
Guard houses or front counters can be comprised of a range of attack rated solutions such as Windows, Pass through trays and Counters. The make up of these counters is to act as a barrier between staff and visitors, often protecting key monitoring equipment and data.
By combining these various strategies and technologies, correctional facilities can establish robust protection measures to minimise the risk of escape attempts, unauthorised access, and external threats. It is an integral part to operations to ensure safe and secure procedures are followed, supported by the installation of high-security equipment. If you would like to find out more about how Gunnebo can assist in designing an effective and layered security posture in a correctional facility, contact us today!