NCJ Number
127870
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
State legislatures should evaluate every feasible means of avoiding excessive capital costs for new correctional facilities, while providing safe and humane institutions that meet constitutionally mandated requirements.
Abstract
Surveys by the American Correctional Association indicate that the average cost per new cell is $75,000, $60,000, and $33,000, respectively, for maximum, medium, and minimum security bedspaces. The average cost of construction in 1986 was $54,000 per cell, and total expenditures for new construction and renovation of correctional facilities exceeded $3 billion. Avoiding excessive capital costs for correctional facilities is the responsibility of design, construction, and operational professionals and elected officials who establish investment policies and parameters. Difficult policy decisions regarding sentencing guidelines, early release programs, judicial management, and incarceration programs can be substantially influenced by the direction provided through legislative bodies. Ten steps to follow in avoiding excessive capital investments in correctional facilities are identified: understand implications of the planning process; analyze forecasts and trends; recognize the intent of judicial intervention; clarify the mission of existing and planned correctional facilities; prepare detailed design programs and standards; develop comprehensive management and operational programs; conduct competitive architectural selection; evaluate the role of project/construction management; analyze cost implications of a design-build approach; and identify consistent and continuous oversight processes. Construction alternatives that should be considered and evaluated through legislative oversight include building/site development, perimeter security systems, facility management, construction techniques, and furnishings and equipment. 8 tables