Facility Assault Overview

Study Notes

A facility assault is a physical attack from outside the facility or any other assault that creates physical damage to the correctional facility.
Attackers may be on foot, drive vehicles, use firearms, or aircraft.

Outside threats on a person’s life or someone coordinating an escape attempt.
Demonstrations, media attention, or high-profile inmates (such as inmates associated with a drug cartel or death-row inmates).
Known associates of high-profile inmates may use technology to see the layout of the prison.
Unknown individuals around the outside of the facility.
The arrest and transfer of high-profile inmates.

High-quality, effective and visible security measures, alert systems, perimeter controls, or appropriate warning techniques can help prevent facility assaults.
Be aware of people who have permission to be on the facility grounds.
Notify correctional staff of likely protests, staging areas for protestors or media, or the presence of outside agencies.
Agencies may approve the use of force to contain an assault.
There may be a show of force (a visible presence of authority).
Maintain order and safety of the inmates within the facility; this may include locking down inmates.
Local law enforcement may be contacted to contain incidents outside of the facility.
The commander of ICS may deploy specially-trained extraction teams trained to handle violent and uncooperative prison inmates, such as a correctional emergency response team (CERT).
Facility assaults can escalate into emergencies, such as a hostage situation, an escape, or a medical emergency.

Notify the appropriate staff and communicate with the response teams.
Communicate the following information:
- The area of the compound or perimeter affected.
- The nature of the assault.
- The extent of the damage to the perimeter.
- The number of assailants and weapons.
- The direction in which the assailants are traveling.
Follow evacuation protocols according to the agency’s emergency plan.
Move inmates and staff members to a safe location.
Be aware that the assailant may change tactics or methods that result in blocking or damaging planned evacuation routes.
Pay attention to radio communications, including updates to the situation.
Set up barricades.
Establish perimeter security including surveillance.
Maintain safety and security procedures, such as moving to cover and relocating to a tactically advantageous position.
Debrief after the incident. This may involve reviewing report details for further investigation.