Addressing Issues with Jail Door & Lock Security
A Case Study on Oklahoma County Jail and a Complete Locking System with the Willo WedgeTM
Introduction
The Oklahoma County Jail was grappling with significant problems related to its cell doors, frames, and locks. Over the years, the jail experienced instances of inmates breaching their cells, causing damage, and endangering both staff and other residents. The consequences of broken locks and damaged hinges were significant and posed a risk to the inmates, correctional officers, and other staff. In order to resolve these critical issues, the jail administrator worked with a detention equipment contractor to install new hinges and the tamper-resistant Wedge locking system from Willo Products.
Challenges
Various malfunctions and vulnerabilities plagued the existing door locks in the jail. The aging infrastructure, coupled with prolonged abuse, had led to deteriorating door frames, hinges, and locking closures. The lock mechanisms themselves suffered from abuse and neglect, making it easier for inmates to manipulate them and leave their cells.
For Oklahoma County and other facilities across the country, the consequences of broken locks in the jail impacts many different areas. First, broken locks and lack of security compromise the safety of both residents and staff, leading to an increased risk of violence and assaults. A news report about the issues at the jail noted that “the existing lock system is easy for the inmates to jam open with just a piece of paper or even a spork.”
Second, it disrupts the order and control necessary for effective rehabilitation and management of the incarcerated population. In the same article, Mark Opgrande, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, noted that in 2018 there were 254 cases of inmates assaulting correctional officers. Opgrande continued, “That’s every day-and-a-half that someone gets assaulted in here.” These are not conditions in which the staff, or even the residents, can feel safe.
Finally, the financial implications arising from lawsuits filed against the jail or requiring additional governmental oversight further burden the county.
The Solution
A comprehensive upgrade to the jail’s locking system was required to address the recurring issues associated with broken locks, . Jail leaders sought out a new locking system that would provide enhanced security features, increased durability, and improved resistance to tampering. By addressing the root causes of the lock-related problems, a new system could significantly contribute to the overall safety and functionality of the jail.
The administrators in Oklahoma County chose the Willo Wedge locking system from Willo Products. Coupled with improved continuous hinges along the door frames, these upgrades were essential to improving the conditions within the facility. By renovating the existing cells with these elements, the jail not only saved money but also fortified its security infrastructure and mitigated the risks associated with faulty locks.