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Facts on the Fence

NCJ Number
124686
Journal
Security Management Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 85-89
Author(s)
G R Cook
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Natural perimeter barriers -- rivers, lakes, cliffs, and canyons -- and manufactured perimeter barriers -- brick or block walls, stone walls, reinforced concrete walls, and landscaping -- provide a facility's first line of defense.
Abstract
Fencing, particularly chain link, used as a perimeter barrier can provide a legal boundary, control and screen authorized entries, support detection and assessment functions, deter casual intruders, and briefly delay access to a secured area. Security considerations must include location, height, configuration of the fence. Engineering factors such as soil conditions, erosion, wind and snow loads, and corrosion, must be reviewed. To date, standard chain link fences with various enhancements have been tested and evaluated in terms of their delay times. Fence enhancements generally include barbed wire outriggers, barbed concertina wire, and General Purpose Barbed Tape Obstacle, developed by the Navy. Tie downs and tension wires can make penetration under a fence more difficult. A security fence is most effective when used with other devices including lights, closed-circuit television, staffed observation posts, intrusion detection system, and reinforcements against vehicle penetration. 4 figures.

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