Inmate Housing Units
Secure cell windows and doors.
Correctional Facilities Glass
Thompson Innovative Glass manufactures Defender Detention Facilities Glass for correctional and high-risk environments. Engineered for strength and durability, our glazing solutions provide reliable protection without compromising visibility.
High-Security Glass for Detention & Correctional Facilities
Detention and correctional facility glass is designed for maximum security, impact resistance, and durability to withstand forced entry, assaults, and contraband smuggling. This specialized glazing enhances safety, visibility, and compliance with ASTM 1915 security standards, making it ideal for high-risk areas such as inmate cells, control rooms, and visitation areas.
Glass and glazing for detention and correctional facilities manufactured by Thompson Innovative Glass are designed to provide high levels of security, durability, and protection while maintaining visibility and light transmission.
Key Features
Impact & Attack Resistance
Engineered to withstand physical assaults, including blunt force, sharp objects, and prolonged attacks.
Bullet-Resistance
Often (but not always, make sure you check the make-up) meets UL 752 standards for bullet-resistant glazing, with different levels available depending on the threat level.
Contraband Control
Prevents the passing of items through broken glass or joints.
Fire Resistance
Some glazing options include fire-rated properties to comply with safety codes.
Spall Protection
Many detention-grade glass systems incorporate polycarbonate layers to prevent spalling (glass shards breaking off upon impact).
Soundproofing
Helps control noise levels within facilities.
Benefits of Security Glazing in Detention Facilities
Enhanced
Safety
Protects staff, inmates, and visitors from attacks, escapes, and contraband smuggling.
Visibility & Monitoring
Allows correctional officers to maintain clear sightlines while ensuring security.
Durability & Longevity
Built to withstand abuse, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Customizable Protection Levels
Can be tailored to specific threat levels (impact, bullet, forced entry, blast resistance).
Compliance with Standards
Meets ASTM 1915 test method for evaluating the force entry resistance materials used in detention and correctional facilities.
Applications in Correctional Facilities
Visitation Areas
Protective barriers between inmates and visitors.
Control Rooms & Guard Stations
Bullet-resistant glazing for protection.
Perimeter Security & Entryways
Reinforced glass for external threats.
Medical & Mental Health Areas
Safety glazing to prevent self-harm.
Frequently Asked Questions Correctional Facilities Glass
What makes detention-grade glass different from standard glass?
Detention-grade glass is specifically engineered for high-security environments, offering superior resistance to impact, forced entry, and ballistics. Unlike standard glass, it often incorporates laminated layers, polycarbonate interlayers, or reinforced materials to prevent breakage and spalling (dangerous glass shards).
What are the main types of security glazing used in correctional facilities?
The most common types include:
Laminated Security Glass – Multi-layered glass and plastic interlayers for impact resistance.
Glass-Clad Polycarbonate – A combination of glass and polycarbonate for bullet resistance and flexibility.
Insulated Security Glass – Provides thermal efficiency along with security.
Fire-Rated Security Glass – Meets fire protection codes while maintaining strength.
Does detention glass prevent breakage?
While no glass is completely "unbreakable," detention glass is designed to resist breakage and prevent penetration. Some variations will crack but remain intact to maintain security. The level of protection depends on the glass construction and rating.
Is bullet-resistant glass required in all correctional facilities?
Not necessarily. Bullet-resistant glass is typically used in control rooms, sally ports, visitation areas, and entry points where firearm threats are a concern. Lower-security areas may use impact-resistant but non-bulletproof glazing.
How is the strength of detention glass measured?
It is tested against various industry standards, including:
UL 752 – Bullet resistance (rated from Level 1 to Level 8- See our Defender® product line).
ASTM F1915 – Forced entry and attack resistance.
NFPA 80 – Fire-rated glazing compliance.
ASTM F1233 – Glass security glazing classification.
Can security glazing be used in inmate cells?
Yes, but it depends on the application. Laminated glass with polycarbonate layers is often used in cell windows to prevent self-harm while maintaining visibility for monitoring.
How does detention glass prevent contraband passing?
By using multi-layered laminated glass or polycarbonate, the glazing remains intact even if struck, preventing inmates from creating openings to pass objects through.
Can security glass be tinted or one-way for privacy?
Yes, security glass can include tinted, frosted, or one-way vision coatings to allow correctional officers to monitor inmates without inmates seeing out.