Jail Resource Issues: What Every Funding Authority Needs To Know

• NCJ Number: 195155
• Author(s): Gary M. Bowler
• Date Published: February 2002
• Length: 47 pages
• Contract Number(s): 99J07GIK6
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Sale Source: National Institute of Corrections; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This guide aims to contribute to a better understanding of the funding authority's roles and responsibilities regarding the jail, while providing basic information on jail operations.

Abstract

This guide discusses how funding authorities, which include county commissions, municipal councils, and tribal governments, allocate resources to operate jails. Jail officials, such as sheriffs, directors of corrections, and jail administrators, must ensure that jails operate in a safe, secure, and humane manner. These two entities must maintain a high level of understanding and cooperation if the best interests of the local government and community are to be served. This paper first presents the jail as a primary and unique function of local government, such that jail issues should have high priority. The purpose of the jail and its role in the local criminal justice system are then discussed, followed by an overview of the size and diversity of the jail inmate population. A section on jail litigation and standards considers the emergence of jail litigation, the emphasis on rights for prisoners, key U.S. Supreme Court rulings, and a body of clearly established law. A review of the key elements of effective jail operations addresses adequate staffing levels; well-trained and supervised staff; current written operational directives; a systematic and documented inmate classification process; the effective supervision of inmates; an adequate level of inmate services and programs; the fair treatment of inmates; adequate bed-space capacity; compliance with standards, regulations, and codes; and a safe, clean, and well-maintained physical environment. The concluding section of the paper focuses on funding authority roles and responsibilities. In supporting effective jail functioning, the funding authority should be knowledgeable and proactive, secure adequate resources, provide leadership, and be an advocate. In monitoring and oversight, the funding authority should be attentive to indicators of jail efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. 7 notes and 14 references