HVAC for prisons.

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The Pew Center on the States recently issued a report that one in 100 adults in the United States are in prison or jail. (1) This is an all-time high and a surprising statistic for many. For those involved in correctional design, construction, and operation, it was a sobering validation that the industry is having a hard time keeping up with the need for new correctional facilities.

Not only do these facilities take time to design and construct, the costs associated with building correctional facilities are increasing, and owners' resources are dwindling, as state government budgets tighten. Today's engineers are being called upon to help solve a large societal issue. This article will provide a background regarding correctional design considerations for jails and prisons and will offer a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Security

Security is probably the most obvious concern in the correctional facility. The facility has been funded and designed to house pre-trial (jails) and convicted prison) inmates. Therefore, without adequate security and care by the design team, the facility cannot fully serve its purpose. Quite often, bond referendums seek approval and funding after months or years of planning.

Elected officials and civic leaders provide backing and support, even at he expense of their political careers to make decisions in the best interest of heir constituents and the at-large public. It is critical after the design phase begins that the right decisions are made. Many people are counting on it.

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For the mechanical engineer, several important factors related to their design can compromise security. The first item to consider is the security level of the facility or the area of the facility: minimum, medium, and maximum security. It is not uncommon for a mixture of security levels to exist within the same facility or multibuilding campus, so the engineer must design accordingly. The secure perimeter is defined by security consultants and/or the staff. Air devices are available to the specifier, appropriate to each security type. Heavy gauge steel air devices are typically used for all maximum security applications in cells, particularly when they are in reach of inmates. Suicide-resistant grilles can be used in psychiatric and other high-risk areas.

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Hollywood has dramatized jail and prison escape by way of large sheet metal ducts. This is certainly possible, and it does occur, but rarely are barrier grilles/bars not specified in all ductwork penetrating …