NCJ Number
151349
Editor(s)
K A Rostad,
P Denker
Date Published
1994
Length
71 pages
Annotation
Acoustical concerns in the corrections industry are explored.
Abstract
The goal of this guide is to provide basic tools to prison administrators, State and county building agencies, and correctional planners and architects to enhance their understanding of noise control, thereby contributing to a safer and healthier correctional environment in today's facilities as well as in future jails and prisons. The decisions made by these officials concerning materials, finishes and furnishings can affect the correctional environment, which in turn will affect the stress level of the staff and inmates assigned to these spaces. Anecdotal examples are provided of the results of ill-advised acoustical treatments in jails and prisons including New York City's Tombs. Guidelines for acoustical treatments, an index of case studies of acoustics projects in corrections institutions, and profiles of qualified consultants are included. A typical dayroom design example is given. Four appendixes contain a glossary of acoustical terms and the American Correctional Association noise standard, and address acoustical considerations in courts design and basic acoustical control in buildings.