ENFORCEMENT OF SANITARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CODES IN JAILS AND PRISONS - STATEWIDE JAIL STANDARDS AND INSPECTION SYSTEMS PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 14266
• Author(s): R LOEWENSTEIN
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: American Bar Assoc.
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. PAPER PRESENTED AT 38TH ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONF OF THE NATL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASSN, CINCINNATI, JUNE 1974.

Annotation

A STATE-WIDE INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR CORRECTIONAL FACILITY COMPLIANCE WITH SANITARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CODES IS THE BEST WAY, SAY THE AUTHORS, TO AMELIORATE THIS PROBLEM.

Abstract

JUDICIAL INTERVENTION IS HAMPERED BY THE EXPENSE OF COURT CASES, THE LENGTH OF TIME TO OBTAIN A DISPOSITION, AND THE RELATIVE INEXPERTISE OF JUDGES WITH SANITARY AND SAFETY STANDARDS. THE AUTHORS SHOW THAT LOCAL AND STATE HEALTH AUTHORITIES DO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO INSPECT AND TO ENFORCE STANDARDS IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES. THE FIRST STEP IN DEVELOPING A GOOD INSPECTION SYSTEM IS TO ACHIEVE SPECIFICITY OF STANDARDS. THE SECOND STEP IS TO HAVE ADEQUATELY STAFFED INSPECTION DEPARTMENTS AND TO REQUIRE PERIODIC INSPECTIONS. THE FINAL STEP INCLUDES THE USE OF EXPERIENCED SANITATION INSPECTORS WHO ARE GIVEN THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE THEIR DECISION, I.E., TO EITHER SHUT DOWN THE FACILITY OR TO SHOW CAUSE WHY IT SHOULD NOT BE SHUT DOWN.