The Difference Between a Regular Fence And A Correctional Facility Fence

ByGryffin

Whether it is a prison or a jail, all correctional facilities holding prisoners accused of felonies and crimes need to have high-security fences. To prevent inmates from escaping, protecting the general welfare of the community and the personnel in the facility, and enclose the inmates in a single area, all correctional institutions require a certain level of security that can only be provided by high-level security fences, such as 358 welded mesh fences.

Here are the main differences between a regular fence and a correctional facility fence:

Regular Fences

While regular chain wire fences may be a great option for many different building types, including sports grounds, animal shelters, parking lots, tennis courts or even residential properties, they don’t offer the level of security required of a correctional facility. Regular fences may come with galvanized, PVC coated, or stainless steel wire mesh, which can provide protection against the elements and from rust and corrosion.

Depending upon its location, the height of the chain wire fence may be different. It may also be of a lighter weight, as its main purpose is privacy. Additionally, many residential fences that are made of steel, as opposed to wood or vinyl, have mesh wire dimensions and pipe wall thickness much lower than fences used for correctional facility fences. Barbed wire and coils may make a regular facility look too imposing or intimidating, so they are usually avoided in most commercial applications.

Correctional Facility Fence

Used in locations where there is a greater need for increased security, fences used for correctional centres are typically made with very specific configurations in mind.

  • Size: A fence for a correctional facility must be at least 4 metres tall. Some state laws may even require it to be more than 5 metres tall.
  • Strength: The very name of the 358 welded mesh comes from the dimensions that offer it more strength; 3 inches x 0.5 inches x 8 gauge, which are all based on Imperial system measurements. These dimensions make the mesh very strong and durable and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
  • Anti-cut security barrier: Because of the small aperture size, normal cutting tools are not able to penetrate the mesh making it impossible to cut through.
  • Anti-climb security barrier: Similarly, the small aperture also does not allow any fingers or toes to take hold, preventing inmates from climbing over it.
  • See-through: Although the aperture size is very small, it still allows maximum visibility to guards surveying the grounds from the ground and from towers, and for surveillance cameras to effectively scan the area and also prevents inmates from hiding behind it.
  • Security from above and below: By installing at least three coils of barbed tape in a triangular configuration on top of the security fence, and considering under fence security systems, a correctional facility fence can be made even more secure.
  • Electrical fences and security gates: For maximum security, the fencing system should be complemented with a security gate that only allows authorised personnel and vehicles to enter the premises. Additionally, many fences can now be equipped to deliver small electric shocks to anyone who attempts to scale it. The electric connection can also be turned off whenever needed to prevent any unwelcome accidents from occurring.

When buying new fencing for a correctional facility, it is important to pay attention to the dimensions and materials of the mesh. Even 358 welded mesh is now being produced using different configurations, some of which may not last as long as others. For the best value of money, security and longevity, consider choosing 358 welded mesh made of 90% zinc and 10% aluminium coated wire.