NCJ Number
85769
Date Published
1982
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes a review of the physical plant and custodial care standards for jails in the State of Washington, with emphasis on the impact of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and discusses fire suppression requirements contained in recent State legislation.
Abstract
The study was mandated by a 1981 law which reflected a growing concern that recent Supreme Court decisions have indicated a reduction of constitutionally required minimum standards for jails and prisons. The review concluded that recent case law may support greater reliance on multiple occupancy cells and some reduction in the space provided for cell areas, provided that proper attention is given to related aspects of the total jail program. The Supreme Court decisions in the cases of Bell v. Wolfish and Rhodes v. Chapman made it clear that no absolute standard exists for either space or services. In addition, the State's ongoing effort to review and modify custodial care standards has ensured that the mandatory custodial care standards reflect minimum requirements of statutes or case law. Furthermore, the State Jail Commission has amended its physical plant standards to state that sprinklers shall not be required in cells or adjacent dayrooms to which prisoners have continuing access, and that this standard preempts any conflicting requirements of local code provisions as long as the facility meets all other fire safety requirements. Appendixes present an extensive annotated list of recent court decisions regarding jail standards and related materials.