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To become an environment that encourages improvements in behaviours, young offender institutions (YOI) must address the actions that are causing extensive strain on the correctional system in the UK today.
With problems of smuggling and finding stash points in young offender prisons, radiators and guards must work to avoid becoming stash points.
YOI’s see high levels of suicides, bullying and unsafe conditions for prisoners. YOIs and youth establishments have the highest assault rates of any prisons in England and Wales according to Politics.co.uk.
It’s clear that overall behaviour is a major issue affecting youth offender institutions in the UK, and the facilities that you specify could make the difference between a YOI with high levels of suicide and violence, and a facility that promotes rehabilitation and reformation.
Anti-ligature Radiators
As suicide is significantly high in youth offender institutions, all ligature points need to be assessed.
Many individuals assume that the risk of suicide comes from ligature points from above head-height. Other studies have found that suicides can, unfortunately, occur where ligature anchor points have been below the head or even at waist height.
Radiators with large grilles or gaps can be used for self-harm and suicide. Service users are also at risk of self-harming from hot surface temperatures, sharp edges and ligature points on radiators or pipework.
Once radiators have been vandalised, sharp edges can be used to cause harm to individuals or others. This is important as bullying is prevalent within YOI’s.
Therefore, it’s important to consider a radiator and a radiator guard that has:
- Smaller grilles (we recommend IP3X)
- Minimal gaps or joints
- Bullnose, rounded corners
- No sharp edges
Reducing Stash Points
Traditional radiators can be used as stash points for offenders, with routine cell searches, radiators can be more difficult to check thoroughly.
Contour’s anti-ligature radiator and guard design can assist with the complete and extensive searching of YOI cells.
With its strong, full-casing design and unique range of security fastenings, Custody Officers can safely access all areas of the radiator.
This includes the radiator’s exterior perimeter, that Officers can safely run their hands along during the routine cell search.
Reports have found that blades for self-harming and bullying can also be found inside young offender institutions along with illegal goods.
Due to the nature of the radiator cover design that Contour manufacture, stashing illegal goods and sharp objects inside the cover will be very difficult.
However, should Prison Officers feel the need to check inside the cover, they can access the interior casing via the security locks on the front and top of the cover.
Individual Heat Control
On current pipe coil systems, Officers only can control the heat output of four cells at one time, meaning that it’s impossible to adjust the needs of every individual.
If inmates in a cell each want different heat outputs it can run the risk of aggravating an individual, leading to negative consequences.
Contour’s anti-ligature heating solutions allow Officers to control individual cell temperature, making young offenders comfortable and lessening the potential risk for violent outbursts.
Depending on the layout of the cell block, the heating can be controlled from outside of the cell. This is of particular use if the cell block is on lock-down and access into the cells are off-limits.
Through aiding comfort, you’re helping to establish trust in an inmate which can help rehabilitation.
Conclusion
As an architect or specifier who is tasked with the design or refurbishment of a custodial environment, your design choices will be largely influenced by young offender behaviour.
Contour’s anti-ligature products provide a safe solution for managing the behaviour and wellbeing of young offenders, many of whom who are at risk of suicide.
For more information on out anti-ligature solutions for young offender institutions, talk to one of our experts today.
About Us
Contour produces a range of innovative, safe surface temperature systems for healthcare, education, mental health, commercial and secure sectors, working in close partnership and collaborating with architects, M&E engineers, NHS Trusts, local authorities and contractors to deliver outstanding safe heating solutions.
Contour is the exclusive partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9%. Contour combines an extensive range of colour-paints is with BioCote® for a durable, high-quality finish.
Contour’s heating solutions offer secure, single-person quick access to radiator guard interiors for regular deep cleaning and maintenance. Each year, Contour save the NHS millions of pounds in cleaning costs, therefore delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour is redefining the marketplace and therefore many regards us as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour has a quality-first philosophy. Our customer-focused team possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, they take pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
Contact us at:
The Mansions, 43 Broadway Shifnal
Shropshire TF11 8BB United Kingdom
+44 1952 290 498
Twitter: @Contour_Heating
LinkedIn: Contour Heating Products Ltd
