NCJ Number
137976
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 66-67,69- 70
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The El Paso County (Colorado) Criminal Justice Center, built at slightly under $34,000 per bed including program and support facility costs, has been accredited by the American Correctional Association and serves as a resource training facility by the National Institute of Corrections' Planning of New Institutions (PONI) program.
Abstract
The complex consists of a 384-bed adult detention center with minimum and medium security cells, a forensic laboratory, the sheriff's fleet services building, surface parking, and detoxification center. A team effort, led by the county board, sheriff, architect/engineering firm, and program manager, was required to meet the county's cost and accreditation goals. The podular direct supervision design approach utilized in constructing the center provides excellent views of inmates in housing units, prevents blind spots and corners, keeps staffing to a minimum, allows separation of inmates by classification, and provides sufficient program space. Cost efficiencies were achieved through less expensive construction requirements, incorporation of multiple-use space into each housing unit, and construction of other county services on the same site. Activities provided for inmates include counseling, GED classes, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and computer workshops. To recruit and maintain quality personnel, El Paso County pays good salaries, trains their employees well, and builds on the employees' pride in the professional standards and quality of the facility.