Security comes in multiple forms

As prisons become more crowded and internal problems arise, it is important to keep control and stability inside and outside of the prison. Although there are many security measures that can be put into place, it is hard to say whether it is the physical design of the prison or the skilled officer that makes the difference in safety and security. Both play a major role in keeping things running smoothly inside and outside the perimeters.

Access control systems are the first line of defense, internal and external

The physical structure of a prison is extremely important. The role is twofold: to keep society out and to keep inmates in. Therefore, high walls or fences and detection systems are essential when building a prison. According to the Department of Correctional Services, "the layout, design, and age and level of maintenance of prisons have a direct impact on the level of security" (Department of Correctional Services, 2003).

Need a shotgun? Just take one

Inmates in a San Antonio prison managed to steal 14 revolvers, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a rifle before they drove away in a prison van without being checked. The escape led to a Christmas Eve robbery and the death of an Irving police officer (Associated Press, 2001).

Electronic access control puts the right people in charge

Although the physical design and inmate categorization are key elements in security, they are not complete without officer protection services.Prison officials are responsible for the security measures that the physical design cannot control. Some duties include "access control, searching of prisoners and their belongings, and movement control both inside and outside prisons and during the transportation of prisoners" (DCS, 2003).

As part of the American Jail Association's Code of Ethics, the correctional officer promises to "keep the institution secure so as to safeguard the community and the lives of the staff, inmates, and visitors on the premises" (American Jail Association, 1993). .