James T. Vaughn Correctional Center – Building 20 Expansion

In Level Five maximum security facilities, there is no tolerance for error or poor planning. Each activity must be planned, reviewed, and approved well in advance of the start. This also includes safety protocols that contractors must follow to remain compliant with JTVCC rules and regulations. Prison protocol required inventory of each and every tool that workers brought in or out. To compensate, workers brought all the tools in their arsenal just in case, as getting out of the building for a missing tool wasn’t a walk in the park either. In addition, all company vehicles are searched, everyone must have their proper identification, and everyone must sign in and out and enter/exit as a group. The entry and exit process could sometimes take up to an hour and a half to clear.

Each room had to be “no pick” compliant. The construction design mandated absolutely no cracks or cervices in, on, or between any surface. For example, the markerboards are installed flat against the wall. The desks and chairs had to be bolted to the floor. Even something as tiny as the screws mattered, as they had to be tamper-proof. The windows were barred immediately upon completion. The classroom doors received both an electrical and manual lock, topped off by a panic button installation in each classroom.