NCJ Number
128352
Date Published
1981
Length
250 pages
Annotation
These how-to-do-it jail planning handbooks were designed to help counties decide whether to build a new jail and to chart a course that encourages clear and careful thinking about what to build in those counties that have already decided that they must build.
Abstract
These handbooks present a "model" corrections planning process consisting of valid, tested methods. The process can be used to help the county identify and define its correctional problems; to find solutions to such problems as an overcrowded jail or an old, unsafe facility; to define a planning process in which important questions are asked and critical information collected prior to entering into a building program; to encourage consideration of planning alternatives which may be less costly but equally beneficial; to simplify and help organize the planning process; and to help avoid mistakes by reviewing other counties' experiences. Jail planning, as presented here, involves broad-based participation by all segments of county government and the public. There are five handbooks: starting the correctional planning process; assessing current and future corrections needs; determining the feasibility of developing a correctional facility; and the correctional facility development process. Ten appendixes provide background resources for the planning process.