NCJ Number
96969
Date Published
1985
Length
126 pages
Annotation
A 1-year study of the construction of correctional facilities in 15 States is discussed, and the practices and processes used in the planning, design, and construction of the facilities are described.
Abstract
The data collection, which consisted of a mail/telephone survey and followup interviews, is discussed. Processes for new facility planning and for decisionmaking are reviewed, and attention is given the facility program and such issues as architectural/engineer selection, site selection, staffing, and cost and funding considerations. Findings suggest that many of the difficulties encountered during the planning of new institutions relate to inadequate involvement in the process by the departments of corrections. Also addressed are facility design and hardware selection. The importance of identifying facility needs, developing a clearly defined response to those needs, and adhering to the mission throughout the planning, design, and construction process is emphasized. Contract administration and construction are discussed, and considerations in opening and maintaining the new facility are examined. The use of prototype designs and modular, prefabricated units is considered, and the need to evaluate what has been done and to build on experience rather than on past mistakes is cited. Finally, a national program of postoccupancy evaluation is recommended. One table, 1 figure, 4 appendixes, and 86 references are included.