Summary
1. Cookline Equipment (Production Equipment)
Correctional kitchens rely heavily on batch cooking, high-volume output, and rotation of inmate labor—which means the cookline must be simple, durable, and secure.
1.1 Combi Ovens (Correctional Package)
Purpose: Versatile cooking — steam, convection, roast, bake. Replaces multiple appliances.
Correctional-specific features:
- Locked programming modes
- Recessed or shielded control panels
- Reinforced hinges
- No loose knobs or removable hardware
- Welded bases to prevent contraband hiding
- Secure water and drain lines
Why important:
Inmate labor frequently rotates; combi ovens offer consistency and predictable results with minimal learning curve.
1.2 Convection Ovens (Heavy-Duty Institutional Grade)
Purpose: High-volume baking and roasting.
Correctional-specific features:
- Vandal-resistant control panels
- Hinges designed to withstand force
- Optional locked control boxes
- No glass doors in high-security areas (polycarbonate recommended)
Why important:
These ovens operate for 12–16 hours/day in some facilities — durability is non-negotiable.
1.3 Tilt Skillets / Braising Pans
Purpose: Large-scale sautéing, simmering, frying, braising, and holding.
Correctional-specific features:
- Enclosed bases (no open legs)
- Locking tilt mechanisms
- Reinforced lid and handle systems
- Control access limited to staff
Why important:
These are workhorses for bulk entrees; tamper-proofing prevents misuse of heating elements or mechanical parts.
1.4 Steam Kettles (40–80 gallon typical)
Purpose: Soups, sauces, starches, beans — ideal for low-cost mass production.
Correctional-specific features:
- Fully enclosed jackets
- Locked steam controls
- Welded piping protection
- Anchoring brackets
Why important:
Open steam lines = extremely high risk. Correctional kettles eliminate exposed tubes or valves.
1.5 Ranges & Induction Units
Purpose: Supplemental cooking surfaces or sauté stations.
Correctional-specific features:
- Correctional range options often eliminate open flame
- Induction is preferred: cooler, safer, less ventilation load
- Controls lockable or removable by staff
Why important:
Fewer burn hazards. Lower fire risk. Reduced potential for heating contraband.
2. Dishroom Equipment (Sanitation Systems)
Dishrooms are high-risk areas due to chemicals, sharp objects, and unsecured equipment. This is where tamper-proofing matters most.
2.1 Conveyor & Flight-Type Dish Machines
Purpose: High-speed sanitation for trays, utensils, dishes.
Correctional-specific features:
- Fully enclosed side panels
- Vandal-resistant buttons and control covers
- Tamper-proof fasteners
- Locked chemical injection systems
- Shielded exhaust ports
Why important:
Standard dish machines often have exposed internals. Correctional models prevent access to moving belts, pumps, wiring.
2.2 Soiled Tray Return Conveyors
Purpose: Move trays from dining areas back to dishroom.
Correctional-specific features:
- Anti-ligature tray rails
- Welded troughs and scrap baskets
- No hollow areas for contraband
- Optional guards to prevent climbing
Why important:
Food scraps + inmate movement = high contraband risk.
2.3 Dishtables (Welded, Enclosed)
Purpose: Sorting, scraping, and staging.
Correctional-specific features:
- Enclosed bases (no open shelving)
- Sloped tops to prevent standing/sitting
- Locked doors for chemical storage beneath
Why important:
Open legs are contraband magnets.
2.4 Food Waste & Scrap Equipment
Purpose: Manage large food waste volumes safely.
Correctional-specific features:
- Guarded grinder systems
- Restricted access panels
- No removable blades accessible
Why important:
Open disposers or pulpers present obvious weaponization risks.
3. Refrigeration & Cold Storage Systems
Refrigeration is essential for HACCP compliance but can become a major security vulnerability if not designed for corrections.
3.1 Walk-In Coolers & Freezers (Correctional-Grade)
Purpose: Bulk storage for perishable items.
Correctional-specific features:
- Reinforced, tamper-resistant hinges
- Heavy-gauge steel doors
- Non-removable hardware
- Sloped ceilings to prevent climbing
- Locking control boxes
- Interior cameras in some facilities
Why important:
Walk-ins are high-risk if inmates can hide contraband, tamper with product, or disable systems.
3.2 Reach-In Refrigerators & Freezers
Purpose: Daily-use storage near cookline or prep areas.
Correctional-specific features:
- Recessed, anti-ligature handles
- Hinges rated for excessive force
- Lockable access to electronics
- No glass panels in higher security facilities
Why important:
Reach-ins are commonly accessed by inmate workers — security must be built in.
3.3 Dry Storage & Ingredient Control
Purpose: Secure storage for bulk foods, spices, baking goods.
Correctional-specific features:
- Enclosed shelving (no open legs)
- Welded joints, no hollow tubing
- Lockable ingredient bins
- Transparent or partially transparent lids
Why important:
Bulk foods are a known contraband-hiding opportunity.
4. Meal Delivery & Trayline Systems
Meal delivery is one of the most complex operational tasks in corrections — equipment plays a major role in safety and compliance.
4.1 Trayline Conveyors & Assembly Lines
Purpose: Efficient assembly of thousands of trays per meal.
Correctional-specific features:
- Vandal-resistant, enclosed conveyors
- Diet-specific color coding
- Guard rails and anti-ligature components
- Staff-controlled speed adjustments
Why important:
A secure trayline keeps production flowing and prevents inmates from accessing moving parts.
4.2 Insulated Meal Trays (Non-Weaponizable)
Purpose: Portioning and delivering food.
Correctional-specific features:
- Unitized (one-piece) construction
- Rounded edges
- No metal reinforcement
- Tamper-evident lids optional
Why important:
Minimizes the ability to fashion shivs or sharpen edges.
4.3 Meal Delivery Carts
Purpose: Transport trays to housing units.
Correctional-specific features:
- Locking latches
- Reinforced hinges
- Tamper-proof caster mounts
- Single-piece interior wells
Why important:
Carts often travel through multiple security zones — durability and tamper-proofing are mandatory.
4.4 Segregation-Unit Meal Solutions
Purpose: Safe food distribution to restrictive housing.
Equipment commonly includes:
- Clamshell trays
- Pass-through hatches
- Hot-holding carts with locked compartments
Why important:
Minimizes inmate contact and protects staff during distribution.
5. Prep Equipment, Stainless Fabrication & Support Fixtures
These items appear simple — but in corrections, they require special designs to limit hiding spots and prevent tampering.
5.1 Stainless Worktables (Enclosed Base)
Purpose: Prep surfaces, storage, work areas.
Correctional-specific features:
- Welded front and side panels
- Lockable doors
- No open leg frames
- Rounded, anti-ligature edges
Why important:
Open tables are among the worst contraband risks in a kitchen.
5.2 Sinks, Mop Stations & Sanitation Fixtures
Purpose: Cleaning, prep, utility.
Correctional-specific features:
- Tamper-resistant faucet assemblies
- Reinforced backsplash
- Anchored floor mounts
- Concealed plumbing
Why important:
Exposed pipes or valves can become dangerous tools if accessed.
5.3 Storage Racks & Shelving
Purpose: Organized ingredient and equipment storage.
Correctional-specific features:
- Welded or heavy-duty solid construction
- No hollow tubes
- Anchored-to-floor options
- No removable plastic parts in high-security units
Why important:
Shelving is a common target for tampering or concealment.
5.4 Smallwares (Correctional-Safe Items)
Purpose: Tools and utensils that minimize risk.
Examples:
- Nylon or fiberglass utensils (reduced weaponization)
- Molded trays
- Restrictive-use ladles and spoodles
Why important:
Smallwares pose the highest risk for weapon creation — selecting the right materials matters.
6. Ventilation & Hood Systems
Often overlooked until something goes wrong, hood systems in corrections must meet fire safety, sanitation, AND security standards.
6.1 Exhaust Hoods (Tamper-Resistant)
Purpose: Remove heat, smoke, steam, and grease.
Correctional-specific features:
- Locked access panels
- Welded-in baffle frames
- Reinforced filters
- Anti-ligature underside design
Why important:
Standard hoods offer many access points for tampering or concealment.
6.2 Fire Suppression Systems (UL 300 Compliant)
Purpose: Automatic response to grease fires.
Correctional-specific features:
- Staff-only accessible pull stations
- Secure, tamper-proof suppression lines
- Locked control boxes
Why important:
Fire systems are targeted by inmates for sabotage in certain settings — correctional packaging prevents this.
