U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Are You Getting What You Need?

NCJ Number
170714
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1997) Pages: 130-133
Author(s)
D H Bland; F E Erbschloe Sr; R Angelone
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses performance-based standards to evaluate equipment purchased for correctional facilities.
Abstract
The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) established a Committee on Detention and Correctional Facilities (Committee F-33) to develop standards for all materials, products and systems used in the construction and operation of correctional facilities. Committee F-33 has produced 12 standards that passed the ASTM approval process, including test methods, standards and specifications for such items as: hollow metal vision systems, hollow metal swinging door assemblies, steel air ventilation grille units, detention locks for swinging doors, detention interior sliding door locking device assemblies, tool-resisting steel flat bars and shapes, and security control systems; and procedures such as determining fire-test response characteristics of components of furnishings after exposure to vandalism. Applying standards for detention equipment can help correctional practitioners feel more comfortable when spending billions of dollars on new equipment for correctional facilities.