NCJ Number
91596
Date Published
1978
Length
147 pages
Annotation
This report contains the results of a 3-month study of county jails in Wisconsin involving a statewide survey on the status of county jails relative to their existing conditions, policies and procedures, and innovate programing as well as their comparative achievements of the State's proposed standards.
Abstract
General study findings were that size of the facility (average daily population) is the principal determinant of standards' compliance and that there is minimal correlation between the age of the facility and compliance. It also found high compliance with standards relating to the rights of inmates mandated by the courts. Facility administrators' attitudes correlated highly with standards compliance. Study recommendations include expanding community public relations programs to include tours of the facility, informational brochures, and regular news releases, employing trained correctional officers rather than assigning road deputies to provide supervision at the facility, and providing for observation of inmates at least once every 30 minutes. Furthermore, jails detaining inmates for periods longer than 30 days should provide opportunities for educational release and educational or vocational training programs at the facility. Where feasible, counties should construct separate facilities for juvenile detention or consider sharing separate facilities for juvenile detention with adjoining counties. Charts and tabular data are provided. Study instruments and related materials are appended.