NCJ Number
189802
Date Published
1999
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the process of deciding on a new jail design.
Abstract
Jail design should be based on direct or indirect supervision of inmates, and linear design should be absolutely avoided. Direct supervision places the correctional officer's station within the inmate living area, or "pod" as it is often called. In direct supervision, inmates are aware that: they are being constantly supervised; if they create problems they will be quickly removed to a higher custody pod having fewer privileges; and the officer is backed up by a personal radio alarm system and video monitoring. This system is most relevant to housing medium and minimum supervision inmates not considered to be violent or disruptive in the jail environment. The indirect supervision layout when used for medium and minimum custody inmates is similar, except that the officer's station is separate from the inmate living area. It is in a secure room with visual access through protective windows, and communication with inmates via microphones and speakers. In a maximum supervision pod, inmates are not permitted to congregate in an open dayroom but must spend most of their time in their cells. Linear design, with long rows of cells or housing units along a corridor, introduces an element of high risk in that corrections officers have only intermittent observation of the inmates, meaning that inmates are essentially in control of the living area. The paper discusses the interplay of inmate behavior and supervision style and how to choose the appropriate jail design. Figures, notes