<P> The use of prisons in Continental Europe was never as popular as it became in the English - speaking world, although state prison systems were largely in place by the end of the 19th century in most European countries . After the unification of Italy in 1861, the government reformed the repressive and arbitrary prison system they inherited, and modernized and secularized criminal punishment by emphasizing discipline and deterrence . Italy developed an advanced penology under the leadership of Cesare Lombroso (1835--1909). </P> <P> Another prominent prison reformer who made important contributions was Alexander Paterson who advocated for the necessity of humanising and socialising methods within the prison system in Great Britain and America . </P> <P> Prisons are normally surrounded by fencing, walls, earthworks, geographical features, or other barriers to prevent escape . Multiple barriers, concertina wire, electrified fencing, secured and defensible main gates, armed guard towers, security lighting, motion sensors, dogs and roving patrols may all also be present depending on the level of security . </P> <P> Remotely controlled doors, CCTV monitoring, alarms, cages, restraints, nonlethal and lethal weapons, riot - control gear and physical segregation of units and prisoners may all also be present within a prison to monitor and control the movement and activity of prisoners within the facility . </P>

Prisons are the oldest form of social control