Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2020

Appendix B

Guidelines for Institution Security Levels The following descriptions illustrate the numbers and types of barriers that separate inmates from the com- munity. These guidelines are designed for illustrative purposes. Segments may be interchanged to compen- sate for strengths or weaknesses in other segments. Some agencies and systems use more or less than three levels of security. For those systems, these guidelines can be adjusted.

SECURITY LEVELS

SECURITY  ELEMENTS

I (Minimum)

II (Medium)

III (Maximum)

Housing

Dormitories, cubicles, or rooms

Rooms and/or multiple occupancy cells and/or dormitories

Single cells, very se- cure, with heavy-duty hardware

Perimeter Security

None, or single fence; occasional patrol

Double fence; electric alarm system; patrol of perimeter or towers

A combination of dou- ble fence, wall, towers, and/or constant armed perimeter surveillance; and/or an electronic alarm system Formal census is taken at least five times daily. Capability to quickly separate the inmates into smaller groups. Inmates are directly su- pervised and/or escorted when outside cellhouse or living area.

Internal Security Mea- sures

Inmate census taken at least three times daily

Inmate movement is controlled by pass sys- tem. Formal census is taken at least four times daily, plus frequent informal census.

248 Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition