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New developments in gate systems are helping keep officers safer and corrections perimeters more secure.
Over the last two decades, technological innovations have helped spur the development of new products to improve perimeter security in correctional institutions across the country. The essential role of a perimeter security system is fourfold: deter, detect, document and deny or delay any intrusion of the protected area or facility. History shows that correctional facilities are only as secure as their perimeters.
Perimeter security in a prison or jail environment is never a one-size-fits-all approach and different equipment requirements will vary based on the type of facility, city and state in which it's located. Like most perimeter solutions, the corrections environment requires a multi-tiered, multi-faceted approach to security with various systems in place. Perhaps two of the most critical areas in any facility are the front gate and the sallyport areas where inmates are transferred on a daily basis. Many of the larger jails and institutions have vehicle sallyport doors that on average open and close 200 to 300 times per day.
"Ten to fifteen years ago gates were considered big pieces of iron outride a facility and there was much more attention being paid to security systems on the inside," says Shawn Davis, vice president of sales, at Wallace International at their U.S. sales office based in Phoenix, Ariz. "Today with operating budgets being what they are, there is more awareness with facilties closely monitoring the cost per cycle of the gate systems and the maintenance costs to keep them efficiently running. When the main gate isn't working properly, people aren't coming and going and that costs the facility money."
Reliability Is the Key
"When the main gate is down, facilities have to spend the extra manpower and money to arm it to secure the area while it is being repaired. They don't need that added downtime or cost," agrees Steve Bonacci, assistant sales manager for Electric Power Door (EPD), Hibbing, Minn. "Today, reliability seems to be the most important factor when selecting a system. More and more of our clients are looking for a high cycling gate system that is both reliable and requires little maintenance. Larger jails in particular, have a lot of activity going...