New mirror technology for cells

The mirrors currently used in cells and high-risk areas are generally made from polycarbonate material that does an adequate job within the cell and other locations.

Sep 6, 2007
By David Howell
L-R: PC Joe Swan, Sgt Thomas Neilson and Sgt Chris Smith

The mirrors currently used in cells and high-risk areas are generally made from polycarbonate material that does an adequate job within the cell and other locations.

They are generally considered to be unbreakable, but they do have one serious weakness: they are susceptible to heat. This could come from a lighter, for instance, which could soften the polycarbonate covering and create puncture holes that would compromise the area’s security.

Securikey looked at this potential weakness and after consultation with the Home Office has helped develop a new, cost-effective and safer cell mirror range. The full dome has been successfully trialled in a police cell and the Home Office has confirmed the range is suitable for use in prison cells and similar environments when suitably installed.

The new installations consist of 304-grade 1.2mm stainless-steel and a 5mm steel anti-ligature fixing frame if this is required. The new range of three offer significant advantages. With the greater inherent strength of the stainless-steel there is no need for an additional foam insert for simpler fixing – the lack of a fixing ring on the full dome also makes fixing faster and easier. The highly-polished steel has a considerably harder surface offering improved resistance to scratching, easier cleaning and less likelihood of installation damage. And the materials used are impossible to burn or break into sharp shards so cannot be made into a weapon. The new installations are available as a full, half or quarter dome.

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