NCJ Number
61913
Date Published
1979
Length
168 pages
Annotation
COUNTY DETENTION FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS IN MAINE ARE DESCRIBED AND THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH STATE, FEDERAL, AND COURT STANDARDS IS SUMMARIZED. RESEARCH IS BASED ON FIELD STUDIES CONDUCTED IN 1978.
Abstract
THE REPORT IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF THREE TO BE PRODUCED AS PART OF A STATEWIDE STUDY ON MAINE DETENTION AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. EXTENSIVE FIELD RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED IN ALL 16 COUNTIES AND INCLUDED VISITS TO ALL DETENTION FACILITIES, INTERVIEWS WITH THEIR STAFF AND OFFICIALS, AND MEETINGS WITH CONCERNED CITIZENS' GROUPS AND INVOLVED STATE AGENCIES. A CHECKLIST ASKING MORE THAN 390 QUESTIONS WAS DEVELOPED TO COLLECT INFORMATION IN A BROAD RANGE OF AREAS FROM ADMINISTRATION TO FACILITIES. CURRENT MAINE STATUTES WHICH AFFECT COUNTY DETENTION ARE REVIEWED, AS WELL AS RELEVANT FEDERAL COURT CASES. PRACTICES IN DETENTION FACILITIES ARE DESCRIBED AND THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL STANDARDS IS ASSESSED IN DETAIL. ALTHOUGH JAILS AND LOCK-UPS IN MAINE COMPLY WITH STATE AND NATIONAL STANDARDS IN MORE THAN HALF OF ALL INSTANCES (57.5 PERCENT), COUNTY DETENTION FACILITIES DO NOT COMPLY IN 30.5 PERCENT OF ALL INSTANCES, AND COMPLY ONLY IN PART IN THE REMAINING 12 PERCENT OF ALL STANDARDS EVALUATIONS. THE NEXT PHASE OF THE STUDY WILL TARGET PROBLEM AREAS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. THE APPENDIXES CONTAIN SUMMARIES OF CHECKLIST INFORMATION FOR EACH DETENTION FACILITY AND ADDITIONAL MATERIALS ON THE MAINE STATUTES AND FEDERAL COURT CASES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED - MJM)