NCJ Number
132747
Journal
Direct Supervision Network Volume: 2 Dated: (July-September 1991) Pages: 2-6
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The design of the West County Justice Facility in Contra Costa County (Calif.) was based on extensive experience with direct supervision prison management.
Abstract
The operations of a California direct-supervision prison designed in 1976 and the experience of Federal correctional facilities were studied. The facility was planned for a 58-acre site in a remote location. Planners decided to construct a "campus" facility that could easily be expanded to accommodate a total population of 1,600. The administration and support building is located outside the dual security fence, patrol road, and earth berm with direct access to the campus through two tunnels. Staff accommodations include a private entrance, large locker room, separate tiled shower and toilet facilities, full-service training room, tiered briefing room, and private dining room. For inmates, each of the four independent living units consists of two modules housing 64 rooms each with open day areas. Special attention was focused on reducing noise levels; the walls of inmate rooms are constructed of plied sheetrock, and most do not contain toilets or sinks. A central visiting center provides many types of visiting facilities, and the campus also includes extensive educational facilities. Photographs, diagram, and biography of director of research