World’s Toughest Maximum Security Prisons – Big Bigger Biggest (Part 1)

The North Branch Correctional Institution is introduced as one of the world's most secure prisons, located just over 200 kilometers from Washington, DC. It features state-of-the-art technology, including lethal razor wire, bulletproof cells, and an array of non-lethal weapons to maintain control over its 1400 inmates, of which over 900 are convicted killers. The prison's design is rooted in a historical evolution of prison architecture, starting from the 12th century fortresses like the Tower of London, which was initially used to keep prisoners securely locked away. The script delves into the history of the Tower, its early security flaws, and the subsequent improvements that made it a symbol of inescapable imprisonment.

This paragraph discusses the evolution of prison security measures, starting with the Tower of London's transition from a wooden palisade to a stone wall and a moat filled with water from the River Thames. It highlights the introduction of sluice gates by a Dutch engineer to maintain the moat's water level, creating a formidable defense. The narrative then shifts to North Branch Correctional Institution, which takes the concept of layered defenses to an extreme with seven layers of security, including razor-sharp wire and concrete cells, making escape nearly impossible.

The script moves on to the Eastern State Penitentiary, built in 1829 in Philadelphia, which introduced the concept of isolation as a means to foster remorse in prisoners. The penitentiary was a technological wonder for its time, with amenities like running water, central heating, and flush toilets. The design emphasized solitary confinement, with prisoners eating, sleeping, working, and worshipping in their cells, a radical departure from the overcrowded and chaotic conditions of earlier prisons. The radial design of the prison allowed for efficient surveillance, with a central watchtower monitoring all cells, a concept that influenced the design of many prisons worldwide.

The fourth paragraph addresses the challenges of surveillance and contraband in modern prisons, using North Branch Correctional Institution as an example. Despite extensive CCTV coverage, prisoners still find ways to smuggle contraband, such as cell phones, which pose significant security risks. The script introduces the BOSS chair, a body orifice security scanner, and the K-9 unit, which uses specially trained dogs to detect and locate contraband, emphasizing the ongoing battle against smuggling in high-security prisons.

The narrative turns to Alcatraz, a prison built on an island in San Francisco Bay, designed to be the most secure prison in the world. With its remote location and state-of-the-art concrete cell blocks, Alcatraz was considered escape-proof. The script recounts the story of Bob Luke, an inmate who arrived in 1954, and describes the prison's unbreakable steel gates and the psychological impact of the slamming cell doors. However, it also reveals the 1962 escape attempt, where three inmates disappeared, leaving behind dummies and holes in their cell walls, highlighting that even the most secure prisons have vulnerabilities.

This paragraph reveals the downfall of Alcatraz due to its supposedly escape-proof concrete. The use of seawater led to the corrosion of steel bars and the crumbling of concrete, making it possible for inmates to create fissures in the walls with a spoon. The cost of repairing the damage was too high, leading to Alcatraz's closure in 1963. However, the lessons learned from its construction and failure influenced the design of future prisons, emphasizing the need for durable materials and construction techniques.

The final paragraph showcases the tamper-proof cells at North Branch Correctional Institution, which are built using a durable type of concrete reinforced with steel wire. The cells are manufactured as single pieces to ensure flawless construction and are tested to destruction to guarantee their strength. The design includes non-removable window frames, thick glass, and security screws, making the cells virtually inescapable. The script concludes with a confident assertion that no one has ever escaped from these cells, suggesting a new standard in prison design.