WHAT TYPES OF VIEW PANELS ARE RECOMMENDED ON THE SLEEPING ROOM/CELL DOORS?
It is important to maximize visibility into the room/cell while providing the greatest measure of safety and security when evaluating the size and placement of view panels. Consideration should be given to the classification of the inmates/minors, whether or not the unit will house both males and females in a “co-ed” setting, and future use of the housing area. Not all view panels need to be within the door. Some facilities have successfully incorporated additional view panels into the room/cell wall, allowing staff to view areas of that space which would otherwise be less visible. Placement and sizing of all windows should take into account staff of varying heights, so that all staff has a readily accessible view of rooms. Use of diagonal windows is not recommended due to the limitations offered for viewing the room. When walking past a diagonal window, staff is only able to view the portion of the room at eye level. It becomes necessary to stop and scan the entire window length to ge
