NCJ Number
123819
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (May/June 1990) Pages: 56-59
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The new Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Ga. has a design that meets correctional needs much more effectively than the old facility, but understaffing and its consequences continue to be problems.
Abstract
A strong collaborative design team worked within rigid financial constraints to provide a facility that would provide maximum security and safety for staff, inmates, and the community. The advanced design includes an extensive two-way communication system, a metal and package searching system, and a physical layout that places all inmates within direct observation of each control station at all times. Its podular design also limits the movement of inmates within the jail. The jail is five times as large as the older facility, with a capacity for 2,278 inmates. Unfortunately, understaffing and double-bunking are producing stress for inmates and sacrifices in programs and services. Inmates have begun to take advantage of the understaffing by verbally abusing and sometimes physically abusing staff. Nevertheless, the facility represents a significant improvement over the previous one, and staff are optimistic about its prospects. Photographs.