NCJ Number
214370
Date Published
May 2006
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This bulletin presents an overview of strategies and tactics for building community support for a jail project.
Abstract
The seeds of a jail project are planted when a few people recognize existing and projected problems with the existing jail facility and begin to talk with others about the need for change. The next step is to develop a core group that includes representatives from key elements of the justice system and the community. Members of the core group should have a stake in a successful outcome for the jail project and should hold key positions in groups whose policies and practices can impact jail capacity. At this stage of the project, the focus should be on the nature of the problem to be addressed, an assessment of existing resources (facilities and alternatives), problems with the existing facilities, why change is needed, and some of the options. Building a case for community support requires that all alternatives, including continuation with existing resources, have been considered; and a strong case for the proposed project as the best solution for the community. Information given to the public should be accurate and relate directly to an analysis of current problems and how the proposed project will address them better than alternative proposals. Media strategies should be in place at this point. Campaign strategies should identify target groups whose support is needed and be tailored to the nature of the project's impact on the targeted group and the kind and level of support needed. The tactics proposed address information dissemination as well as input and participation. A case study is provided.