Safe EnvironmentsA Blog by Norix Furniture

When addressing furniture needs for corrections institutions, it is vital to know which type of supervision model is in place – direct supervision or indirect supervision. The type of supervision model determines how facility space is allocated and consequently prescribes the furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) needed in each. With nearly 30 years in the corrections industry, Norix Group understands the unique qualities of both systems, which allows us to develop the products and performance features that make sense for each environment. Although the mode of operation may be different, each system ultimately seeks to deter acts of violence and minimize the amount of stress on staff and inmates, as well as deter property damage and vandalism.

An indirect supervision facility often has an enclosed control booth that overlooks a dayroom or pod area containing single cells. The number of cells within a pod area varies from facility to facility. Officers will typically communicate and oversee inmates through use of a public address (PA) system. The officers’ primary role is to oversee the pod, observe inmate behavior and operate the control system. Should a major incident take place, backup staff is called to the pod to intervene. Staff safety is often provided by this enclosure, while inmate safety is preserved by separating the population into their individual cells. Indirect systems require extremely durable, vandal-resistant furniture, fixtures, and locks in the pods and cells.  To equip each of those areas, Norix offers a line of heavy-duty stainless steel, bolt-down products called Ironman® (Click to see Ironman® Brochure). These include cell bunks of various types, wall-mount desks, Citadel™ property storage containers and washroom fixtures. Each are designed and constructed to be extremely durable and tamper-resistant.