Is your detention door hardware as safe as you think it is? The truth about low, medium, and high security detention doors and locks
The distinction between low, medium, and high security-detention door hardware is not just a matter of terminology, it’s a crucial factor in ensuring the right level of security in various parts of the detention facility. However as new security innovations emerge and testing standards are updated, it can be challenging for jail administrators and maintenance supervisors to evaluate the current security level of detention hardware in a given facility.
The categorization of security doors and locks into the commonplace terms low, medium, and high security is based on several key factors: their resistance to tampering and damage, the durability of their build, and the sophistication of their technological features. Each level serves a distinct purpose, calibrated to the varying degrees of risk and security requirements of different areas within a detention facility and the threat level of residents being housed.
Low-Security Detention Door Hardware
At the most fundamental level, low-security detention door hardware is designed for low-risk areas within a facility. These doors and locks are typically employed in sections where the threat of tampering or escape is relatively low, such as administrative offices or temporary holding zones for low-risk individuals. The primary advantages of these doors and locks lie in their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation and maintenance. While they offer basic security features, their simplicity and lower tamper resistance make them unsuitable for areas requiring stringent security measures.
Medium-Security Detention Door Hardware
Serving as a bridge between the basic and the most advanced, medium-security doors and locks are tailored for areas with moderate risk levels. They offer a balance between enhanced security features and cost-effectiveness and are typically constructed with more durable materials and incorporate additional security mechanisms compared to their low security counterparts. Medium-security doors and locks are commonly used in general population areas of a facility, providing a heightened level of security without the extensive fortifications of high-security locks.
High-Security Detention Door Hardware
At the pinnacle of door and lock security is high-security detention door hardware, also sometimes referred to as maximum security. This detention door hardware is engineered for the highest risk areas within a detention facility. These areas, which might include solitary confinement cells or high-risk residential zones, demand the utmost level of security and resistance to tampering. High-security doors and locks are characterized by their robust construction, advanced tamper-resistant features, and, often, technological integrations such as alarms, remote monitoring capabilities, and other sophisticated mechanisms. They are built to withstand the most determined attempts at tampering, ensuring the highest level of safety and control.
The Truth About Low, Medium, & High Security
According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), “The terms commonly used to describe security – low, medium, and high – describe the relative relationship of products to each other rather than clearly defining a level of security.” Instead, the AIA instructs architects to use ASTM security grades to provide an objective measure of security performance of swinging doors. The ASTM approach to detention door hardware relies on a battery of six tests to measure the performance of detention door hardware and assigns one of four security grades, Grade 1, 2, 3, or 4, with Grade 1 being the highest security level.
The methods test the capability of a swinging door assembly to, “prevent, delay, and frustrate escape, to limit or control access to unauthorized or secure areas, and to resist common types of vandalism.”
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Choosing the Right Hardware
The decision to use a particular security level of security hardware in a detention facility hinges on several critical factors. A thorough risk assessment of each area, considering the nature of the residents or detainees housed and the specific security challenges of the facility is essential. Additionally, compliance with industry standards and regulations is a non-negotiable aspect of choosing the right lock. Budget constraints also play a significant role, as facility managers must balance the need for optimal security with financial practicality.
Willo Products’ Maximum Security (Grade 1) Option
Our flagship product, The Wedge, exemplifies our dedication to offering top-tier security solutions. Specifically designed for high security applications, The Wedge incorporates cutting-edge features such as visual and audible alarms, a tamper-resistant design, and robust construction to ensure that it remains locked and secure under even the most challenging conditions. It passes the ASTM F1450 test required for a Grade 1 Detention Door and Frame, the highest objective security designation. The test requires 600 impacts of 200 ft. lbs. each from a battering ram. When the Wedge was tested, it not only passed the 600 impacts but went on to receive another 600 impacts and still passed.
The choice of detention door hardware in a detention facility is a critical decision that directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and operational integrity of the institution. Understanding the differences between low, medium, and high security detention door hardware is essential in selecting the right product for each area of your facility. Willo Products Company, with our comprehensive range of high-quality, innovative locking solutions, stands ready to assist you in making these crucial decisions, ensuring the safety and security of your staff, residents, and facility.
To learn more about how Willo Products can enhance the security of your detention facility with our tailored locking solutions, fill out the form below and contact us today. Let us partner with you in fortifying your facility with locks that set the standard in safety and reliability.