CHALLENGER INSIGHTS Vol. 12:
Safety & Security in the Corrections World
The terms “safety” and “security” in a corrections facility have particular emphasis. Inmate-to-inmate violence and inmate-to-officer violence are major concerns, and they affect the way corrections institutions view safety and security.
In our industry, these concerns break down into one significant question: how do storage solutions impact safety and security, and how can they impact it in a positive way? For this reason, it’s important to gain insight into how storage is currently viewed at a facility, and how a potential storage solution you propose will increase—not break down—how safe a facility is. Here are a few things to consider as you design solutions for this market.
Watch Out For Hidden Weapons
The most significant threat from a safety and security perspective is when inmates use items as a weapon, or they form a weapon from an item—so it’s important our designs for these facilities account for the security of components. Veteran Spacesaver Sales Champions have plenty of ideas on the best way to secure a shelf. Some prefer to use nuts and bolts, some use self-tapping fasteners, and I’ve also seen welding used to fasten components together in some cases.
Asking Facility Management at the site what they use for fasteners can provide the edge in what the staff will consider acceptable for securing components. If you can’t get the response you need, Spacesaver’s Field Service Support can offer suggestions on how to fasten shelving components so that the system is not easily dismantled.
Think About Shelving Location
As you design storage areas, think about the location of the shelving in the room. Look for areas where an inmate could ambush someone coming into the room. If the shelving is in the middle of the room, for example, shorter shelves may give the staff better visibility. Prior to installation, a walk-thru of the facility may provide the advantage of seeing air duct positions. We’ve all seen air ducts used as an escape route in movies.
The key is to prevent inmates from accessing unauthorized areas—so don’t put the shelving where it can be used as a ladder to access those areas.
Consider the Tool Room
It’s also important to consider the security of tools. Best practice solutions include creating outlines of the tools on pegboard, or slat wall storage so tool accountability has the added visual recognition of missing items—take a look at this install at Missouri’s Jefferson City Correctional Facility that utilizes peg board and mobile art racks. In planning installation work, also keep in mind that your installers might need to inventory tools and equipment as they enter and exit the facility, and this added time needs to be factored into your project.
Expressing a genuine concern to the corrections staff involved in the planning process makes a difference. Your expertise in the storage design, coupled with your understanding of the risks they face every day will be reflected in asking about concerns for security and safety—and it can be a clear differentiator that can set you apart from your competition.
Do you have other Insights about corrections facilities that you can share—things that have created opportunities for you in this market? Email McKenna Dustman at mdustman@spacesaver.com and let her know what you’ve learned.