The importance of perimeter security for prisons

With a new Prison and Courts Bill unveiled in February, the justice system in the UK will soon be dramatically overhauled – an act which is designed to support UK jails, which are struggling to cope following a 92% increase in prison population since 1993.

Most worryingly for the public perhaps are prison escapes. There have been 17 successful prison escapes in the 10 years to 2014/15 – a number that could rise with the current instability. The recent high profile escapes at HMP Pentonville last November are a timely example of the worsening situation.

One of the key aims of the Prison and Courts Bill is to improve the security of prisons in an attempt to tackle the current crisis. Adequately securing the perimeter of our prisons is key, and high security perimeter solutions, such as fences and gates, must provide enhanced protection in order to give security personnel the time to mount an appropriate response.

The best perimeter security solutions will have undergone further testing and grading by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), previously CPNI. These products are assured for UK Government use on critical national infrastructure (CNI) sites, making them ideal for securing prison compounds and perimeters.

Jacksons Fencing is the only manufacturer with products with an SR5 rating from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LCPB). The accreditation confirms that relevant products have been tested to withstand a determined attempt at forced entry using 18 volt cordless tools, powered disc cutters, a reciprocating saw, as well as tools used in testing SR1, SR2, and SR3 products.

Want to know more about our high security solutions? Our teams of technical and engineering experts are readily available to provide support to the most complex and challenging projects. Read more here.