DAY IN COURT MEANS A DAY IN THE PENS

• NCJ Number: 9513
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 51 pages
• Corporate Author: New York City Board of Correction
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE CONDITIONS INSIDE THE COURTHOUSE DETENTION PENS IN NEW YORK CITY WHERE DEFENDANTS ARE BROUGHT TO AWAIT JUDICIAL ACTION.

Abstract

THE BOARD OF CORRECTIONS CONDUCTED THIS STUDY OVER A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS IN 1972 DURING WHICH TIME THE INVESTIGATORS FREQUENTLY VISITED THE PENS AND INTERVIEWED CORRECTION OFFICERS, DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, AND OTHER COURTHOUSE PERSONNEL. THEIR FINDINGS EXPOSE THE DISCOMFORT AND FRUSTRATION THE DEFENDANTS EXPERIENCE IN THE PENS. THE PENS ARE UNSANITARY, DARK, OVERCROWDED, AND UNVENTILATED. THE FOOD IS POOR, AND MEDICAL SERVICES ARE INADEQUATE. CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY WITH SECURITY, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND OVERTIME. THERE ARE FEW PRIVATE INTERVIEWING FACILITIES IN WHICH A LAWYER CAN TALK WITH HIS CLIENT. THE GREATEST FRUSTRATION IS CAUSED WHEN PRISONERS SPEND HOURS OR DAYS IN THE PENS WITHOUT REACHING THE COURTROOM. THE BOARD OF CORRECTIONS OFFERS SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND URGE SPEEDY ACTION. THE APPENDICES OF THE STUDY INCLUDE FLOW CHARTS OF CRIMINAL AND SUPREME COURT DETENTION PENS IN MANHATTAN, BRONX AND BROOKLYN PLUS PHOTOGRAPHS OF THOSE DETENTION FACILITIES.