NCJ Number
17805
Date Published
1975
Length
480 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF CURRENT CONDITIONS IN AMERICAN JAILS, THE PROBLEMS OF INCARCERATING SPECIAL GROUPS OF PERSONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR JAIL REFORM.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT OUR JAILS ARE THE EQUIVALENT OF MODERN DAY DEBTORS' PRISONS THAT FUNCTION AS POORHOUSES. TO BACK THIS UP HE CITES EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE (ALL THE WHILE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNDER THE LAW) REMAIN CONFINED IN JAIL FOR OVER A YEAR FOR LACK OF A SUM AS INSIGNIFICANT AS FIFTY DOLLARS. THE AUTHOR DEALS WITH THE SPECIALIZED NEEDS OF SICK (PHYSICALLY ILL) PEOPLE, NARCOTICS ADDICTS, ALCOHOLICS, AND JUVENILES IN SEPARATE CHAPTERS. HE DISCUSSES THE CAUSES OF JAIL RIOTS IN RELATION TO THE EXERCISE OF PRISONERS' CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS MAINLY THROUGH THE CASE STUDY METHOD. THE FINAL CHAPTER, DEALING WITH A NEW PHILOSOPHY OF JAIL OPERATION DISCUSSES THE ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF JAILS. HE SUGGESTS THAT ONE WING SHOULD BE DEVOTED TO THE PRETRIAL DETENTION OF DEFENDANTS TO PREVENT FLIGHT OR CRIME, THE SECOND WING OF THE JAIL OF THE FUTURE WOULD BE COMPLETELY SEGREGATED FROM THE OTHERS - WITH A MEDICAL STAFF AND MEDICAL ORIENTATION, IT WOULD SERVE A DIAGNOSTIC AND REFERRAL FUNCTION FOR SICK DEFENDANTS AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL PROBLEMS. THE THIRD WING OF THE DETENTION CENTER SHOULD BE A DORMITORY FOR CONVICTS WORKING UNDER CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY.