NCJ Number
129115
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: (January/February 1991) Pages: 92-94
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the functions and duties of the Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committees and its Coordinator as mandated by the Arkansas Legislature in 1983.
Abstract
The Committees are made up of five volunteers who reside in the judicial district and do not hold public office. Each member is appointed by the chief circuit judge for a 4-year term, and each county within a judicial district has at least one representative. The Committees visit and inspect all criminal detention facilities in each judicial district annually to determine compliance with minimum standards set by the Administrative Procedures Act of 1988. If the inspection discloses deficiencies, the Committees report to the governing body and to the grand jury of the particular county. If the noncompliance is not corrected within six months following the inspection, the Committees can petition a circuit court to close the facility. The Coordinator's Office assists the Committees in the jail inspections as well as in typing reports, attending Quorum meetings, and reviewing plans for construction or renovation. The negative aspect of this system is difficulty in maintaining a full staff and turnover rate, whereas the positive aspect is the improved willingness of the local government to accept intervention from a local Committee rather than from a State representative.