Structural Barriers and Security in Medium Security Facilities

This report examines the structural barriers implemented in medium-security facilities, focusing on both active and passive measures. It discusses the use of various barriers like razor wire, electronic gates, and clear zones, highlighting their roles in enhancing security. The report explores the advantages and disadvantages of each type of barrier, including cost-effectiveness and installation complexity. It analyzes the security measures of Federal Correctional Institutions (FCIs), which serve as examples of medium-security facilities. The report also includes a discussion on the importance of proper maintenance for metal fencing, which is a key component of the barriers. Additionally, the report evaluates the importance of the barriers like fire doors and smoke curtains which are used in medium security facilities. The report references relevant literature, including works by Fennelly and Frost & Monteiro, to support its analysis of security practices and structural design.

Running head: Structural Barriers in a Medium Security Facility
Structural Barriers in a Medium Security Facility
Name of Student
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Author Note

1Structural Barriers in a Medium Security Facility
A medium security facility has various passive and active structural barriers. Federal
Correctional Institutions (FCIs), medium security prison facilities can accommodate
detainees in prison cells and also some of these prisoners have a background marked by
viciousness. FCIs which have medium security facility are encompassed by bunch of razor
wire and protective walls of various types, alongside a furnished border vehicle that circles
the jail night and day (Frost & Monteiro, 2016). Conti ngent upon the jail, brutality can be
pervasive and serious. prisoner must have under 30 years imprisonment on their sentences to
be detained at medium-security prisons like FCIs. Most of the prisoners are allowed to be
housed at medium-security FCIs. Here the level of staffing is higher than at low-security
FCIs, however it is low compared to high-security government detainment facilities. CCTV,
electronic gates , Protective barriers which are first line of defense, signage which Signage
fills numerous needs on DoD establishments and offices. Signs can be instructive to convey
messages, for example, guiding people to different areas, or they can be administrative and
fill in as an obstacle. Clear zone is an area inside and outside the perimeter fence or barrier of
the protected area. Clear zones provide increased effectiveness of physical barriers, allow
security forces to have unimpeded observation, and prevent intruders from being able to hide.
These are active structural barriers which are advantages of a medium security facility.
Passive structural barriers such as sight lighting, Fire and smoke curtains, fire doors
are implemented in medium security facility which enhances its security (Fennelly 2016).
Disadvantages of passive structural barriers are , complexity of installation and cost
effectiveness.

2Structural Barriers in a Medium Security Facility
Reply to post 1:
The first Essay thoroughly describes what is physical security and types of structural
barriers. The types of barriers and its usage has been discussed. The essay gives in depth view
of the security measures of a Federal Correctional Institutes which are considered as medium
security facility. Active and passive structural barriers have been discussed and how they help
providing security to prisons have been discussed. How prisons are guarded also has been
discussed. The places where active barriers must be used.
Reply to post 2:
The write up does not describe what is medium security facility though it discusses
the advantage and disadvantages of the barriers like metal fencing and how it is helpful for
providing security. It states how the maintenance of the metal fencing can be done but it is
not directly related to active or passive structural barriers’ potential advantage to medium
security facility. It though emphasizes that same type of barriers can not be used in every type
of prison but it lacks the discrimination of active and passive structural barriers and specific
advantages of each.

3Structural Barriers in a Medium Security Facility
References
Fennelly, L. (2016). Effective physical security. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Frost, N., & Monteiro, C. (2016). Administrative segregation in US prisons. Washington,
DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of
Justice.