Security Glazing in Facility Construction

The Corrections Standards Authority (CSA) has received many inquiries regarding the use of “security glazing” in the construction or remodeling of local adult and juvenile detention facilities.  These inquiries range from ‘what is it?’ to ‘where do we need to use it?’  This brief paper will outline critical issues in these regards to assist facility operators and designers.

CSA Policy

Security glazing is defined by CSA policy as translucent or transparent material constructed to withstand measurable, complex loads from intentional, sustained threats or attacks in a detention and correctional environment.  Security glazing must comply with testing standards as set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  (Reference the Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems, ASTM F 1233-98.)  Security glazing proposed to be used in local adult and juvenile detention facilities must be of the appropriate ASTM rating in relationship to the security level of the facility.  Tempered glass, glass block, and other types of architectural or decorative glazing are not considered security glazing and should not be used to define the security envelope or be used within the security perimeter of local detention facilities.

CSA policy requires that security glazing be used within cell complexes of maximum-security or medium-security facilities and that are fire protected by automatic sprinklers.  This includes all areas accessible by inmates/detainees and all areas of the security envelope that could be accessible by outside intruders.  This commonly includes sleeping room/cell windows and view panels, corridor windows, dayroom windows, control room windows, clerestory windows, and skylights. 

Background

Glazing is the component used to fill a framed opening.  The most commonly used substance is glass.  There are many types of glass (i.e., single and double strength, laminated, tempered, wire reinforced, etc.).  These types of glass were the best technology could offer when many current facilities were constructed decades ago.  Many facilities upgraded these windows in the 1980s from glass products to then technologically advanced materials such as Plexiglas and Lexan.  Those new materials proved to be much stronger than glass, but it had significant shortcomings as well (i.e., easily scratched prohibiting viewing though the window; easily melted providing a means of escape or passage for contraband).

New technology has provided the detention field with various security glazing materials used today such as polycarbonate or glass-clad polycarbonate (i.e., sheets of polycarbonate sandwiched between sheets of glass).  This material combines the scratch and heat resistance of glass with the break and penetration resistance of plastic.  New materials are manufactured in different thicknesses and, generally, thicker material is able to withstand attack for longer periods of time.  Many jurisdictions use security glazing with a minimum thickness of at least 9/16” or greater.  However, because technology is constantly changing, and new products become available, facility operators and designers should not rely on glazing thickness alone in making decisions.  As per CSA policy, ASTM standards/ratings and laboratory test results of the material should be primary considerations. 

For juvenile facilities, Title 24, Section 13-201(c)6.B(9), California Code of Regulations (CCR) states: “The design shall facilitate security and supervision appropriate to the security level of minors in custody.  The facility’s perimeter shall be controlled by appropriate means to provide that minors remain within the perimeter and shall be designed to prevent access by the general public without proper authorization.”  Title 24, Section 460A.1.7.3 and Section 460A.1.8.3, CCR, references minimum amounts of glazing required on sleeping room doors and states: “The door into this room shall be provided with a panel, a minimum of 144 square inches, constructed of security glazing.” 

For adult facilities, Title 24, Section 13-102(c)6.B(10), CCR states: “The design (of the facility) should facilitate security and supervision appropriate to the security level of inmate custody.”  Title 24, Section 13-102(c)6.B(11), CCR states: “Internal and external facility glazing shall be appropriate to the security level of the detention area or room.”

Standards, guidelines, and related CSA policy regarding glazing will be one of the many areas to be reviewed and discussed by the CSA’s Executive Steering Committees, and associated physical plant workgroups, during the upcoming standards revision processes involving CSA operational and construction standards for juvenile and adult facilities.

Use of Glazing and Cost Issues

When properly selected, specified and installed, security glazing helps ensure that inmates/detainees will not escape, prevents unauthorized entry into the facility, and assists with control of contraband.  In addition, due to the ability of security glazing to withstand most attacks without breaking, broken glass cannot be used by inmates/detainees for suicide, harming others (including staff), or taking hostages.  When improper glazing material is specified and installed, it can create unwarranted maintenance issues, provide avenues of escape, and jeopardize staff and inmate/detainee safety and facility security.

Where and how glazing is used in detention facilities are primarily local design decisions consistent with the provisions of Titles 15, 19 and 24, CCR [including State Fire Marshal (SFM) standards] and CSA policy.  Use of glazing in the construction or remodeling of facilities serves several purposes including enabling staff to view areas of the facility to assist in supervision activities, providing access to natural light, and incorporating desired architectural elements. 

In determining where and how to use glazing within a secure detention facility, counties face many design options and considerations including cost-effectiveness.  Use of glazing is costly and needs to be carefully considered early in the design process by counties facing tight budgets.  For instance, it is very costly to glaze entire walls and is usually not necessary for safety and security purposes.  In addition, SFM standards restrict the size of glazing in certain circumstances.  Clerestory windows and skylights can be cost-effective and provide natural light in various areas of a facility.

Ultimately, the amount of glazing included in the design of a detention facility must be a careful balance that considers many factors including providing good sight lines of inmates/detainees and associated accessible areas, natural light, and cost-effectiveness. We encourage you to consult with the CSA staff regarding glazing issues early in the design process.  If you have questions or wish to discuss facility specific design issues, please contact your county’s assigned CSA field representative or telephone 916/445-5073.