North Branch Correctional Institution: A Highly Secure Prison
The North Branch Correctional Institution, located near Washington DC, is one of the most secure prisons in the world, featuring cutting-edge technology and multiple layers of defense to keep its 1400 inmates, including over 900 convicted killers, locked up and safe from each other.
History of Prison Design
The concept of prison design began to evolve in 12th century England, with the construction of the Great Tower in London by William the Conqueror, which was not only a fortress but also a prison. The Tower of London’s security was initially compromised when a prisoner, Ranol Flambard, escaped by climbing down a rope from the window, exposing the tower’s weakness. King Richard the Lionheart later strengthened the defenses by replacing the wooden palisade with a stone wall and digging a moat.
Multiple Layers of Defense
The design of the Tower of London influenced the concept of multiple layers of defense in prisons, which is still used today. The North Branch Correctional Institution features seven layers of defense, including cells made of tough concrete, CCTV monitoring, and a large open space surrounded by watchtowers and fences. The outer fence is covered with razor-sharp wire that is extremely difficult to breach.
Penitentiary Concept
The concept of the penitentiary was born out of a revolutionary idea to make individuals remorseful by isolating them from society, allowing them to reflect on their actions. This led to the creation of Eastern State Penitentiary, a technological wonder at the time, with luxuries such as running water, central heating, and flush toilets.
Surveillance and Security
North Branch prison has a high level of surveillance, with cameras and correctional officers monitoring the inmates. The prison uses a body orifice security scanner, known as the “boss chair,” to detect metal objects hidden on or in inmates. The prison also employs a K-9 unit, which has been highly effective in locating cell phones and other contraband.
Alcatraz Island Prison
The US government built a super prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay to contain the country’s most dangerous and violent offenders. The prison, which opened in 1934, features three stories of steel-reinforced concrete cell blocks, with 600 cells that have no direct contact with the outer walls, making it a “prison within a prison.”
Modern Prison Cells
Modern prisons like North Branch use highly durable concrete cells, made with a secret mixture and reinforced with steel wire, to prevent escapes. The cells are designed to be escape-proof, with features such as super tough frames, thick concrete walls, and virtually impossible-to-remove window frames.
Security Features
The cells are equipped with non-flammable materials, clear plastic electronics, and security rivets to prevent prisoners from hiding or creating weapons, making them extremely secure and tamper-proof. The prison’s design and security measures are intended to prevent escape attempts, and the warden believes that the razor wire is a valuable deterrent.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Penitentiary | A prison designed to make individuals remorseful by isolating them from society, allowing them to reflect on their actions. | The concept of the penitentiary was born out of a revolutionary idea to make individuals remorseful, as seen in the Eastern State Penitentiary. |
| Multiple Layers of Defense | A security strategy that involves using several layers of protection to prevent escape or breach, such as walls, fences, and watchtowers. | The North Branch Correctional Institution features seven layers of defense, including cells made of tough concrete and CCTV monitoring. |
| Surveillance | The act of closely monitoring or observing individuals or areas, often using cameras or other technology. | North Branch prison has a high level of surveillance, with cameras and correctional officers monitoring the inmates. |
| Contraband | Goods or items that are prohibited or illegal, often smuggled into a prison or other secure facility. | The prison’s K-9 unit has been highly effective in locating cell phones and other contraband. |
| Reinforced Concrete | A type of concrete that is strengthened with materials such as steel wire or rebar to increase its durability and resistance to damage. | Modern prisons like North Branch use highly durable concrete cells, made with a secret mixture and reinforced with steel wire, to prevent escapes. |
| Watchtower | A tall structure used for surveillance or observation, often used in prisons or other secure facilities. | The North Branch Correctional Institution features a large open space surrounded by watchtowers and fences. |
| Razor Wire | A type of wire with sharp, razor-like edges, often used to prevent climbing or escape. | The outer fence of the North Branch Correctional Institution is covered with razor-sharp wire that is extremely difficult to breach. |
| Body Orifice Security Scanner | A device used to detect hidden objects or contraband on or in an individual’s body. | The prison uses a body orifice security scanner, known as the “boss chair,” to detect metal objects hidden on or in inmates. |
| Cell Block | A section of a prison that contains a group of cells, often arranged in a linear or grid-like fashion. | Alcatraz Island Prison features three stories of steel-reinforced concrete cell blocks, with 600 cells that have no direct contact with the outer walls. |
| Tamper-Proof | Designed or constructed to prevent or resist tampering or interference, often using secure materials or designs. | The cells are equipped with non-flammable materials, clear plastic electronics, and security rivets to prevent prisoners from hiding or creating weapons, making them extremely secure and tamper-proof. |
Vocabulary Quiz: Prison and Security Terms
Test your knowledge of prison and security terms with this 5-question multiple-choice quiz.
Question 1: What does the term “penitentiary” refer to?
A) A prison with a high level of surveillance and security B) A type of prison designed to make individuals remorseful by isolating them from society C) A prison with a focus on rehabilitation and education D) A maximum-security prison with multiple layers of defense
Question 2: What is the purpose of the “boss chair” in North Branch prison?
A) To monitor inmate behavior and detect disciplinary issues B) To provide a comfortable seating area for inmates C) To detect metal objects hidden on or in inmates D) To scan inmates for diseases and medical conditions
Question 3: What is the term for a fence or wall surrounding a prison that is covered with sharp objects to prevent escape?
A) Palisade B) Moat C) Razor wire D) Watchtower
Question 4: What is the term for a prison that is designed to be highly secure and escape-proof?
A) Maximum-security prison B) Minimum-security prison C) Penitentiary D) Super prison
Question 5: What is the term for a type of prison cell that is designed to be highly durable and secure, with features such as steel-reinforced concrete and security rivets?
A) Standard cell B) Maximum-security cell C) Escape-proof cell D) Tamper-proof cell
Answer Key:
1. B) A type of prison designed to make individuals remorseful by isolating them from society 2. C) To detect metal objects hidden on or in inmates 3. C) Razor wire 4. A) Maximum-security prison 5. C) Escape-proof cell
Passive Voice and Its Usage in Describing Prison Security Features
| The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of a sentence receives the action described by the verb. It is often used to describe processes, emphasize the action rather than the doer, or to create a sense of objectivity. In the context of prison security features, the passive voice is used to describe the design and implementation of security measures, such as “the cells are made with a secret mixture and reinforced with steel wire” or “the prison is equipped with non-flammable materials and clear plastic electronics.” This grammatical construction helps to focus on the security features themselves, rather than the people who designed or implemented them. |
|---|
Quiz: Passive Voice in Prison Security Context
Choose the correct answer for each question:
1. The North Branch Correctional Institution ____________________ with cutting-edge technology and multiple layers of defense. A) is designing B) has been designedAnswer Key
1. B) has been designed 2. B) have been made 3. B) was born 4. B) have been intended 5. D) built
