NCJ Number
169009
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 90,92
Date Published
1997
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The experience of the Delaware Department of Corrections in expanding its prison system starting in 1995 demonstrates that simple design and constriction techniques can sometimes save both time and money while enhancing security.
Abstract
The project team reviewed lessons learned from the previous Delaware building program in 1992. It developed a design that would use proven systems, particularly for the security perimeter of each building. Simple and cost-effective parts were used for security walls, ceilings, and devices. The team also tried to avoid expensive materials that might be difficult to procure rapidly. The new boot camp used pre-cast plank for the ceiling to allow the mechanical room to be located in the attic space. The conventional construction also enabled the construction of a wood truss roofing system with a 30-year asphalt shingle. The prison industries building is a pre-engineered steel building with 30-year asphalt shingles. Precast wall panels with security windows cast into the same panel are being used on the prison industries dormitory. The maximum-security building uses precast panels in combination with precast modular cells. Inmate labor was used to produce security windows. New towers for the Delaware Correction Center and Sussex Correctional Institution are being constructed by inmate labor in precast concrete; they do not reduce staff but reduce fence escapes and improve monitoring of inmates in the yard. Photographs