Chain link fencing, along with razor and barbed wire, are probably the most used security features in the United States. Easier to construct and maintain, this type of security feature is used abundantly in most correctional environments. Any breach plan in a prison or correctional center is likely to encounter some type of chain-link fencing or razor/barbed wire. Knowledge of construction and design is essential information for the Breachers on your CERT or special response teams.
Perimeter fencing, boundary fences, area denial, recreation cages, and ball fields are just some the many forms of chain-link/razor wire fencing that can be found in today’s correctional centers. A quick look around where you work will probably identify many more that go unnoticed every day.
Correctional Fencing
The most common type of fencing is, of course, perimeter fencing. Most of the medium and minimum security prisons around the country use some form of perimeter fencing. Perimeter fencing is usually tall, heavy duty chain-link fence with razor or barbed wire strung across the top and often with multiple fences forming layered security. Even the old penitentiaries add chain-link or razor wire to the top of their thick stone walls for extra security.
Boundary fencing distinguishes property lines. It’s not built or designed to keep inmates in as much as to warn the public not to trespass. This type of fencing can be from 4-6 foot high and constructed from normal residential fencing materials.
Area denial fencing is used liberally throughout most prisons. Often built like heavy duty perimeter fencing, it is an economical construction method to prevent inmates from easily getting into an area. These areas may be between buildings, warehouse or storage areas, building roofs, tool or work areas.
Special Management Units require a secure way to provide recreation for inmates that cannot be housed with other inmates, therefore the solution is outdoor recreation yards. Often built several in a row, these small “yards” are constructed of chain-link walls and, at times, with a chain-link covering across the top to prevent inmates from climbing out.
A person trained in correctional breaching needs to be prepared to breach into or through any of these areas.
Thorny Fence?
Two strands of wire twisted together with sharp barbs attached along its length is the design still used for barbed wire or “thorny fence.” Although barbed wire was first heavily used in the American West during the 1870’s for cattle, by the turn of the century it had been adapted as a human barrier.
A shortage of wire during the First World War was the catalyst for Germany to start producing a new form of barbed wire stamped from flat sheets of metal, the forerunner of our modern day razor wire.
Today’s modern razor wire contains a core hardened steel strip under tension. Before making cuts, the breacher needs to be aware of this “spring” action to avoid injury to self or others.
The Tools
For stealth entries through fencing, bolt-cutters are the preferred tool. Bolt cutters typically have long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximize leverage and cutting force. This allows the breacher to quickly cut cable, locks, bolts and fencing. Although, there are many good, lightweight wire cutting pliers on the market, the long handles of bolt cutters allow a team member to cut rapidly without fighting the tool. Remember, a team member may have to make as many as 20 – 50 cuts to gain entry. More if there is multi- layered fencing.
Heavy leather gloves and a good pair of wire cutters will disable most barbed wire, but razor wire is another story. Razor wire handling requires a special pair of (BWH) Barbed Wire Handling gloves. These steel stapled gloves are the only safe way to handle extremely sharp razor or concertina wire. Found online or at your local Army Surplus, these are usually priced reasonably between $20 and $50.
Chain-link fencing is assembled with very few tools. Wrenches and ratchets (standard sizes are: 7/16”, ½” and 9/16”) are an easy, although slow option when making entries through chain-link.
Manual breaching tools are good for stealth entries and should always be carried as a back-up, but making an entry through fencing that requires speed, a rescue or cut-off saw is the first choice.
Rescue saws can cut through multiple strands of chain-link in seconds. Many saws are outfitted with abrasive cutting blades and these will work in limited applications. CERT operators often find that when cutting chain-link, the abrasive blades bind and will break violently if caught in the bind. For repeated reliable use, a diamond/carbide blade is recommended.
When working with rescue saws, let gravity do the work. Whether you are cutting a “V” cut or an “X” cut, start your cuts up high and use the weight of the saw as you cut.
Summary
A Correctional Breacher knows that no breaching plan is complete without a contingency for fence or wire breaching. Preparing your team with the correct training and proper tools will save minutes when seconds count.
