CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SAFETY DIRECTORS TOLD US THEIR TOP PRIORITIES FOR MEDIUM AND HIGH-SECURITY FACILITIES:
SOUND FAMILIAR?
TODAY’S CHAIN LINK OFFERS THE STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY TO SECURE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES OF EVERY LEVEL.
In response to increasingly higher threat levels and the corresponding government-required security upgrading, the chain link industry has developed a wide range of cost-effective high security, anti-intrusion, perimeter security systems. These new systems can be designed to help solve the challenges facing correctional facilities as they work to harden perimeters, fight against tunneling, cutting, and climbing escape/access, enhance their ability to monitor facilities and surrounding areas, and maximize scarce financial resources.
I. HARDENING THE PERIMETER SECURITY TO PREVENT ESCAPES AND INTRUSIONS


While chain link has always been the perimeter security system of choice for correctional facilities, today’s chain link provides newly-developed choices in fabric sizes, coatings and configurations, accompanying framework and accessory products. These systems have been tested to the highest levels, and manufacturing facilities are strategically located throughout North America to provide the widest range of options for solving today’s – and tomorrow’s – perimeter security problems.
Some examples of the current options available for use on high-security correctional facility projects are:
- 1/2” 9 gauge & 3/8” 11 gauge: Deters climbing and very time consuming to cut thru, provides a level of impact resistance. Visually intimidating. *Excellent ASTM F2781 test results
- 1 3/4” 6 gauge: Harder to climb, adds cutting delay time for prisons, higher security level for electrical generating, transmission and substations, chemical plants, refineries. Visually intimidating.
- 2” 6 gauge: Deters cutting in areas more subjected to break in’s; reduces losses due to theft of critical materials
- 2” 9 gauge: Proven effective for perimeter protection for prisons (especially in multi-layered configurations), military & government installations, and interior partitions
II. ENHANCING VISIBILITY OF THE FACILITY AND ADJOINING PROPERTY


The ability to integrate physical, electronic and cyber security programs is one of the key considerations when choosing a perimeter security system. Chain link systems are highly adaptable to providing a base for multiple systems while maintaining their primary capabilities for visibility and strength. They also provide the versatility which allows for lower-cost installation that can follow a grade, resulting in greater ground security, improved appearance, and enhanced tunneling deterrence.
All of these systems working together add up to increased delay times for intruders attempting to breach the perimeter and internal physical security systems.
III. CAPABILITY FOR USE BOTH OUTDOORS AND INDOORS


Today’s high-security chain link is uniquely capable of being much more than perimeter security for correctional facilities. Its ASTM-approved strength and visibility make it the perfect product for use throughout both medium and high-security prisons and other facilities. Internal chain link systems, with the ability to be designed and produced to meet multiple uses, are the perfect options for interior walls, walkways, secure areas, exercise yards, and other challenges unique to the correctional market.
IV. MAXIMIZING BUDGETS FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITY PROJECT MANAGERS


Chain link has an unbroken record of being the most cost-effective perimeter protection product capable of meeting ASTM/industry needs¹ at every level of the perimeter (and interior) physical security for correctional facilities. Installation and upgrading costs are also greatly reduced compared to other perimeter security products.
Perhaps most importantly, chain link’s higher tensile strength² and anti-corrosive properties³ and specialized coatings create huge savings in repair and replacement costs, funds that can be used for other high-priority security needs.
- 1/2” 9 gauge & 3/8” 11 gauge: Deters climbing and very time consuming to cut thru, provides a level of impact resistance. Visually intimidating. *Excellent ASTM F2781 test results
- 1 3/4” 6 gauge: Harder to climb, adds cutting delay time for prisons, higher security level for electrical generating, transmission and substations, chemical plants, refineries. Visually intimidating.
- 2” 6 gauge: Deters cutting in areas more subjected to break in’s; reduces losses due to theft of critical materials
- 2” 9 gauge: Proven effective for perimeter protection for prisons (especially in multi-layered configurations), military & government installations, and interior partitions

HOW TO ENSURE THE MOST EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR FACILITY
The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has developed several tools to assist infrastructure professionals and agencies in determining and designing the most appropriate and cost-effective systems to meet their needs. These tools include:
Technical Guides to Ensure Top Quality, Cost-Effective Design, and Installation
Guide for Specifying High-Security Chain Link Fence and Gates Per Master Format 32 31 13.53 (CLF HSF 0518) This document is the newest tool available to help decision-makers and their security team be certain that they will get the most out of their perimeter security investment
Tested and Proven Performance of Security Grade Chain (CLF- TP0211) With this 12-page report security and fence professionals have the information and test data needed to specify and select security grade chain link fence systems based on the time required for forced entry penetration or its ability to protect people and property from vehicular impact. These testing results provide the data to make a well informed, logical decision.
CLFMI Product Manual (CLF-PM0610) This 32-page guidebook provides the user with the nationally-recognized standards of quality for chain link fence fabric and framework. References all applicable ASTM and federal standards.
Wind Load Guide for The Selection of Line Post Spacing and Size (WLG2445) The 32-page guide for architects, specifiers, and engineers with information on the factors that influence the size and spacing of line posts. Includes 12 tables to help determine appropriate line post spacings in various wind load conditions.
Guide to High-Security Chain Link Manufacturers and Suppliers CLFMI’s Product and Service Locator can connect you and your team to the manufacturers, suppliers, and services who are committed to CLFMI standards of quality, service, and safety.
The Industry’s Best Technical Support
The CLFMI Technical Support Committee is staffed by a volunteer team of the most knowledgeable professionals in the global perimeter security field. They can help get your project back on track and make sure that you are aware of your best options for success.
Perhaps most importantly, chain link’s higher tensile strength² and anti-corrosive properties³ and specialized coatings create huge savings in repair and replacement costs, funds that can be used for other high-priority security needs.
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