NCJ Number
175646
Journal
American Jails Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: September/October 1998 Pages: 9-13
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes Virginia's program for developing a regional jail system.
Abstract
Five local governments in central Virginia are implementing an uncommon form of regionalism which has the advantages of a single administrative authority and the flexibility of keeping a corrections facility in each jurisdiction. The independent cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and three adjacent counties of Bedford, Campbell, and Halifax agreed in 1994 to form a regional jail authority. The project is not yet fully operational, but there are three key factors which will make the project a success: (1) state-level support not just with incentive funding but also with staff who understand jails and the criminal justice system and can be persuasive with local government and justice officials; (2) a local project development formation that involves the CAOs and the sheriffs from each jurisdiction who will dedicate frequent time and effort to meetings; and (3) the selection of a key local government staff person who will be given time and has the trust and respect of the participating governments to work for a long time in bringing the project to fruition.