Residential fence information

[OramSecurityConsultants]

Hey...... I'm looking for some info on residential fences that are used for security. Not on the specifics of an individual type of fence, but more on the pro's and con's of using them in a residential area as well as what should be "looked" for in a fence... IE type, hight, etc....

Any thoughts or direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[HotelSecurity]

Be sure to check with your city to see what types of fences are allowed & the allowable heights etc. Most cities have strict laws on fences.

[OramSecurityConsultants]

Thanks, I already did. I have the town ordinaince and am working on getting a waver for it. Rght now it is alowing 4.5 feet in height.

[sec-guy]

Some people might think that a panel type fence would be a good choice
because it looks harder to climb over.

My choice would be a fence that you could see through (from the street)
along with appropriate lighting to prevent anyone from hiding on the property.

And if you had a PITBULL on the property that would help also.

[integrator97]

If you do go with a panel fence, put the smooth side to the outside to make it more difficult to climb. But I agree with Sec-guy, a nice iron fence with pointy pickets (not sure if they're called pickets on iron fences). Unless you're trying to hide what's inside from view, of course.

Two fences, 6 to 8 feet apart, with dogs in the middle. Though I prefer mines, or some other deterrent. Or better, three fences, the middle electrified, when you breach the first a recorded warning is given, when the second is breached, concussion grenades are used, and the third, well, you're armed right? You get the picture. And don't forget the concertina wire on the top of the fences.

Sorry, just got a little giddy there. You should probably stick with my first paragraph, or above ideas, unless you're an ultra high security military facility.

[sec-guy]

[QUOTE=integrator97;79893]If you do go with a panel fence, put the smooth side to the outside to make it more difficult to climb. But I agree with Sec-guy, a nice iron fence with pointy pickets (not sure if they're called pickets on iron fences). Unless you're trying to hide what's inside from view, of course.

Two fences, 6 to 8 feet apart, with dogs in the middle. Though I prefer mines, or some other deterrent. Or better, three fences, the middle electrified, when you breach the first a recorded warning is given, when the second is breached, concussion grenades are used, and the third, well, you're armed right? You get the picture. And don't forget the concertina wire on the top of the fences.

Sorry, just got a little giddy there. You should probably stick with my first paragraph, or above ideas, unless you're an ultra high security military facility. [/QUOTE

I do like your approach....you must have an unlimited budget

[OramSecurityConsultants]

Ha! I was thinking of a moat with overlapping fields of fire.

Well part of the issue is the town says that a fence in a residential area can not be more than 4.5 feet high.

I need to help sell the town (zoning board) on why the 6 foot metal fence that they already put in is OK. Their neighbor was arrested by the feds for child ****ography. He was released under some new medical program. He has not been convicted yet. The fence is white and very nice. It is open, in that you can see though it. The one gate has a lock on it. They have 3 children, all under the age of 6 at home.

I'm looking for somewhere there are some written statements, IE book, manual etc. that will assist me in backing up my 15 years of Security Exp when I speak to them.

[Bill Warnock]

Give some consideration to looking at Army Field Manual 3.19-30, Physical Security. They have established some specifications as to height and gauge of wire to be used.
Also, establish threat level based upon sensitivity, vulnerability and criticality of the resource or resources you desire to protect. Then with city, county or state planners and/or commissioners determine what type fencing permitted. Perhaps a deviation to established land use might be in order.
Also consider how you might intend to alarm the fencing or interior of the fenced in area. That should not be a spur of the moment decision.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[OramSecurityConsultants]

Good idea. Thanks. I have that one somewhere..... just need to find. it.

[HotelSecurity]

I need to help sell the town (zoning board) on why the 6 foot metal fence that they already put in is OK. Their neighbor was arrested by the feds for child ****ography. He was released under some new medical program. He has not been convicted yet. The fence is white and very nice. It is open, in that you can see though it. The one gate has a lock on it. They have 3 children, all under the age of 6 at home.

Where are you located. The husband of my wife's best friend is still sitting in jail in Virginia since being arrested on May 13 for possession of child *****ography & communicating with a police officer posing as a young boy. Not to defend him but he was refused bail (I guess because he is Canadian) & is still awaiting trial. Isn't 7 months a long time to be held without a trial?

[Curtis Baillie]

Where are you located. The husband of my wife's best friend is still sitting in jail in Virginia since being arrested on May 13 for possession of child *****ography & communicating with a police officer posing as a young boy. Not to defend him but he was refused bail (I guess because he is Canadian) & is still awaiting trial. Isn't 7 months a long time to be held without a trial?

Not to change the OP's subject, but I was wondering about the status of that case. Speedy trial? I suspect he gave up his right to a speedy trial.

[HotelSecurity]

Not to change the OP's subject, but I was wondering about the status of that case. Speedy trial? I suspect he gave up his right to a speedy trial.

It seems like every county the train passed through on his way from the airport to the hotel have charged him. I believe they are trying to get some of the charges combined & then he will have 1 trial.

His poor wife first this plus she is an investment broker with a bank

(Sorry to hijack the post).

[SecTrainer]

There's no "standard" or "best practice" that I am aware of for the type of fencing that these people installed. The closest thing to a height standard is the DoD recommendation for chain link, which is at least 7 feet (plus barbed wire for a total of 8' or more). It is certainly reasonable to extrapolate from that to any type of fence, but are city councils reasonable? If so, I haven't met them. They usually seem far more concerned about appearances. In fact, there are some towns that don't allow fences at all (at least in the front of the houses).

Should you lose your bid for a waiver, a 4.5' fence of this (or any) type can be supplemented by planting a thick thorny barrier immediately behind the fence. Many such plants like holly, etc. are very decorative while being effective deterrents and can be planted like a hedge (i.e., without providing a visual corridor) because visibility is no longer an issue at this height.

As part of your services to this family, you might also suggest supplementing the above with an "electronic fence" comprised of appropriate sensors and an in-home annunciator. A highly visible camera system (with appropriate signage) would be a deterrent in this specific situation since the individual in question is known - perhaps more effective than the fence.

Also, I'm sure you're advising them that appropriate lighting is even more important than fencing and that there are very decorative window barriers available if it should come to that. Doors should be properly framed, dead bolts properly inset, etc.

The critical thing for this family to understand is that a fence of any height is never anything more than a delaying device to a determined intruder and that layered protection is necessary for a complete strategy. What this means is that EVEN IF THE WAIVER IS GRANTED, the job isn't done merely because they've installed this fence. These days, the layered approach can be implemented without unacceptable adverse impact on the appearance of a home.

...and, of course, you should look at the family's habits - how the children get to and from school, whether an adult is there when they come home, what instructions the school has about who may pick them up, what the children have been taught about personal safety, etc. There are vulnerabilities once the children are off the property and no physical systems for the home itself can solve these. They must be eliminated and/or mitigated as a separate issue.

Good luck!

[OramSecurityConsultants]

Thanks. Yes... I know about the chain link and 7 foot "rule". I was brought in after the fence went up so I have to work with what I have. Figured I would check with some of the others here just to make sure I was not missing something basic.

As for lighting and the rest, I did that with them about a year ago and they are fine. Since the father is a Rabbi, (flexible schedule) and the mother is a "stay" at home, the kids get driven everywhere including school. They have a good alarm system, lighting and landscaping. The thick thorny barrier is a good idea to assist a low fence. Thanks.