NCJ Number
118560
Date Published
1977
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the functional requirements of jails according to standards derived from court rulings prescribing jail compliance with the constitutional principles of due process, equal protection, and the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
Abstract
The paper addresses matters that must be considered in planning a new jail or evaluating an existing one. Architectural requirements are discussed for the following jail areas and activities: area for reception and booking; living areas; windows; noise; cells, lighting, and heating and cooling; program support areas; exterior area; classification plan; programs; visiting; telephone privileges; freedom of expression within the facility; freedom of religion; exercise and recreation; general library; and sanitation. The concluding section provides a detailed examination of building costs. The high unit costs associated with traditional and now unconstitutional over-reliance on hardware and security controls are contrasted with the unit costs for the kinds of construction called for by contemporary approaches.