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When it comes to protecting the perimeter of any facility, you want it to be as secure as reasonably possible. One way to do this is with anti-climb security fencing. This not only creates a physical barrier, but it also provides a psychological barrier that’s likely to deter anyone from trying to climb over.
All of this is even more important when looking at securing correctional facilities. Not only do you need to worry about keeping inmates in, but you also have to prevent intruders outside the correctional facility from breaking in or helping to break someone out.
Again, this is where anti-climb security fencing comes in.
What Is An Anti-Climb Fence?
An anti-climb fence is a type of high-security fencing that typically features narrow mesh and angled tops that makes the fencing extremely tricky to grip and climb. In some cases the top of the fencing will also be lined with spikes or even barbed wire.
Generally, anti-climb fencing is designed to prevent intruders from climbing over a fence and breaking into premises. However, in the case of correctional facilities, this fencing is also intended to prevent criminals from climbing over from the inside, and potentially escaping.
There are many different types of anti-climb fencings, such as mesh and palisade fencing, which are constructed using strong, durable materials like steel. However, you’ll often find that the anti-climb fencing used around correctional facilities is made of mesh.
Can You Climb An Anti-Climb Fence?
As a general rule, no, you cannot climb an anti-climb fence! Anti-climb fencing is specifically designed to prevent this.
Some fencing, such as mesh fencing, is constructed with woven mesh wire that leaves small holes that prevent intruders from gaining a foot or handhold. Alternatively, palisade fencing has pointed panels and offers very few grip points to hold onto.
What Kind of Fencing Do Prisons Use?
Correctional facilities most often construct the perimeter fencing using flat mesh panels. This mesh fencing allows for good visibility, while the tightly wound wire mesh and welded sections prevent prisoners from breaking or cutting through it.
What Is The Most Secure Fencing For Correctional Facilities?
There is no specific fencing that is most secure for correctional facilities; however, any prison security system should possess certain attributes. Firstly, the mesh panel should be constructed with small openings to prevent people from using tools to cut the fence.
It should also be climb-proof. Again, this can be achieved by constructing a fence with small openings that eliminate the potential for criminals to gain a handhold or foothold. Lastly, it’s essential that the fencing be installed firmly into the ground to prevent inmates or other parties from digging underneath the mesh security fencing.
At Alexandra Security, our Protek 358 prison mesh fencing achieves this and more. For additional security, rotating anti-climb fence spikes can be installed.
How Do Anti-Climb Spikes Work?
These spikes, often installed at the top of a fence, are designed to make climbing extremely difficult, if not impossible. Incorporating a sharp, uneven surface creates a physical barrier that discourages inmates from attempting to scale the fence.
The point of anti-climb fence spikes is twofold: they’re both a significant visual deterrent, and a formidable physical obstacle. Intruders or escaping prisoners would not only find them (extremely!) difficult to climb over, but the risk of injury also acts as a strong psychological deterrent. Typically made from durable materials like steel, these spikes can also rotate, further complicating any attempt to gain a foothold. In correctional facilities, where maintaining security is crucial, anti-climb spikes are an excellent additional measure to prevent unauthorised access or escape attempts.
Need Anti-Climb Fencing For Your Correctional Facility?
As you can see, anti-climb fencing is essential to keep inmates inside correctional facilities and also keep intruders out. Our 358 prison mesh fencing is the ideal solution for any advanced security fencing needs. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
