Effective prison security fence design needs to incorporate a range of features and a weakness in any one of these features can provide an entry point for determined attackers.
Building the most secure prison security fence actually starts from the ground up.
Material choice is critical for prison fence design. How resistant to cutting, ramming or bending is any given fence product?
Will it be adequate for the requirements? Is the fence easily climbable?
Think about the foundation structure; determined attackers can exploit any weakness at the base of a fence made from the strongest materials.
Naturally, the higher the security requirements of your fence the more it will cost.
You’ll need to strike the right balance between over the top security measures (excuse the pun) and cost effectiveness.
PRISON FENCE DESIGN
In fact, prison security fence designs need to fulfil three objectives: preventing inmates from escaping, controlling inmate movements within the facility, and preventing unauthorised access to or communication with prisoners or the passage of contraband goods into the prison.
Modern effective prison fence design should seek a balance between adapting adequate security measures to prevent security breaches and maintaining the human rights and dignity of the prisoners.
The most effective prison fence designs feature layers or circles of security. Each layer offers opportunities to incorporate the 5Ds of good fence design:
These layers also provide backup security in case of human or equipment failure.
Obviously higher security requirements require more hardened measures and those requirements will translate into greater fence heights, deeper, more robust post footings and ram prevention design, more extreme anti-climb measures and toppings as well as toughened cut resistant materials.
FACILITIES REQUIRING SECURITY FENCE
MAX SECURITY
As the name suggests, high security fence design here needs to deliver the optimal protection at all levels.
Fencing needs to deliver fail-safe protection against escape as well as unauthorised incursion.
These types of institutions hold inmates who may head extensive and illegal drug and contraband operations outside.
For this reason, high security fencing also needs to protect against uncontrolled communication with the outside.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
Security fencing requirements for Correctional facilities in Australia vary widely according to the specific type of facility.
There may also be a range of fence types within the compound as well.
DETENTION CENTRES
Detention centres are generally intended for those who provide the least risk for flight or other high risk behaviours.
Detention centres may house juvenile inmates, mental health patients, or be allocated for quarantine or immigration purposes.
Ideally, security fence design should provide the desired security without creating an atmosphere that is too intimidating, threatening or degrading.
In general, fence heights can be lower and less aggressive anti-climb measures such as Roller Barrier may replace potentially dangerous razor spikes and other formidable toppings.
SECURE PRISON FENCE MATERIAL OPTIONS
One of the most popular and cost effective options for secure prison fencing is the PROMAX 358 mesh and T-post system.
This product delivers real anti-attack performance while the rapid installation process ensures reduced installation costs.
358 MESH
PROMAX 358 mesh and T-post system offers:
- Exceptional climb resistance thanks to the small aperture size
- Superior cut resistance—normal cutting tools don’t work
- Good visibility—for safety, security, and minimal visual impact
- Incredibly strong– weld shear strength and resistance levels that meet AS2423-2002 requirements
PROMAX T-posts:
- Increased resistance to toppling or ramming
- Options for high level security fences up to 4.8m in height
- Ability to withstand category 2 cyclones
- Additional security feature capacity such as razor wire, electric wires, security lighting, vibration sensors, and CCTV
PRECAST CONCRETE
Precast Concrete makes a great choice for perimeter areas with high security requirements.
Precast concrete is extremely strong thanks to the steel reinforcing embedded into the concrete.
Precast concrete can be used for modular walls or for forming strong ram resistant fence foundations.
It’s important to use high quality steel in precast concrete formation. Inferior steel can quickly corrode.
We use only premium quality Australian made steel for our steel weld wire mesh panels.
We offer steel weld mesh panels in a wide variety of standard dimensions and mesh centre sizes as well as custom sizes.
CHAIN LINK FENCE
Chainwire is an option for external perimeter security fencing particularly in detention centres and correctional facilities with lower security requirements.
Diamond fence chain wire is Australian made and is available in a wide range of specifications including:
- Wire mesh size: 25mm to 60mm
- Wire Diameters: 2.24mm, 2.50mm, 3.15mm and 4mm
- Height: 450mm to 4500mm
- Finish: Galvanised, PVC Coated, Permaseal, Lifemax and Fusion Bonded
Our mesh meets all standards including:
- Mesh: AS1725-2010 – Chain link fabric fencing
- Galvanising: Standard Grade – Class B to AS1650-2.2, Heavy Grade – Class A to AS 1725-2.2
PALISADE FENCING
Although Palisade fencing is not commonly used in prison settings, it does offer exceptional visibility combined with robust design that makes climbing or cutting extremely difficult.
Palisade fencing comes in a range of heights up to 3 metres high and with a choice of points.
GATES
Prison access points are critical areas that require protection against attack. We manufacture and supply security gates to match all our fence products.
PRISON FENCE HEIGHT
Typically, prison fences will need to be at least 4.5 metres high. This is particularly true of perimeter fencing.
Toppings such as razor barbed wire can add height and eliminate the ability to cross over the fence in the event someone has managed to gain handhold access to the top.
Specific situations may require lower fences or custom designed solutions, for example, where a roofline meets a freestanding fence or around drainage channels.
We can deliver exceptionally tough security solutions even for the most unusual settings.
WIRE TOPPINGS
We supply a range of security toppings to add height to prison fences and increase the climbing difficulty.
CRANKED
Cranked tops make it very difficult to surmount the final section of fence. Our cranked toppings are ideal for adding barbed wire, razor wire or electric wire.
BARBED WIRE
Barbed Wire is available in Hi Tensile (1.57mm gauge) or Iowa Soft (2.5mm gauge). Coils range from 100M and 500M rolls. Stainless steel barbed wire available on request.
RAZOR WIRE
Razor Wire, Concertina (short and long barb) and Flat Loop tape offer a much higher resistance to attack than barbed wire fence.
BULLDOG SPIKES
Bulldog Spikes deliver fierce resistance to anyone attempting to climb over a fence. Bulldog spikes can be added as a topping to all our high security fencing products.
FENCE TOP ROLLER BARRIER
Roller Barrier is a highly effective anti-climb fence topping that is ideal for lower risk areas of prison security.
The unbreakable plastic cups measure 115mm in diameter so they’re too big for even the largest hands to gain a handhold.
Electronic detection systems can also be added for additional security.
ANTI-CLIMB DUCTING
Anti-climb ducting or spiral tubing works as a highly effective security fence topping as well as creating a more attractive fence line.
The large steel tubes (915mm in diameter or more) are too large and slippery to get a handhold around or an arm over and so prevent any climbing attempts.
The absence of external seams means there is nothing to gain even a finger grip on.
This product is suitable for any correctional facility including detention centres, mental health institutions, and maximum-security prisons.
PRISON FENCE COMPANY
Protective Fencing Australia has been delivering trusted, reliable, innovative security solutions since 1975. That’s why we’re Australia’s most trusted fencing partner.