NCJ Number
45031
Date Published
1977
Length
110 pages
Annotation
THESE STANDARDS PROVIDE LOCAL CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WITH A TOOL FOR ASSESSING AND EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE AND OVERALL ADEQUACY OF THEIR FACILITIES.
Abstract
LOCAL DETENTION FACILITIES, ESTABLISHED TO CARE FOR CITIZENS CHARGED WITH CRIMES WHO ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVED OTHERWISE, HAVE BEEN FOUND TO VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION AGAINST 'CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT.' IN RESPONSE TO THE DEFICIENCIES OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION FOR CORRECTIONS HAS ESTABLISHED STANDARDS WHICH ADMINISTRATORS, WITH COMMUNITY SUPPORT, MAY USE TO IMPROVE THEIR FACILITIES. ACCREDITATION BY THE COMMISSION IS CONTINGENT ON ADHERENCE TO THESE STANDARDS. THE STANDARDS SEEK TO ENSURE THAT ALL LOCAL DETENTION FACILITIES FULFILL THREE PRIMARY GOALS: (1) PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC BY SECURELY DETAINING PERSONS WHO PRESENT A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY; (2) PROVISION OF HUMANE AND EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF INMATES; AND (3) PROVISION OF SERVICES NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF INMATES. JAILS ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: 'DETENTION,' FOR DETAINING PERSONS MORE THAN 48 HOURS, AND 'HOLDING,' FOR DETAINING PERSONS UP TO 48 HOURS. EACH STANDARD IS FOLLOWED BY BOTH OF THESE DESIGNATIONS, AND IT IS STATED WHETHER THAT STANDARD IS 'ESSENTIAL,' 'IMPORTANT,' 'DESIRABLE,' OR 'NOT APPLICABLE' TO EACH CATEGORY. AREAS FOR WHICH STANDARDS ARE GIVEN INCLUDE: ADMINISTRATION, FISCAL MANAGEMENT, PERSONNEL, TRAINING, RECORDS, PHYSICAL PLANT, SAFETY AND SANITATION, HEALTH CARE, FOOD SERVICES, SECURITY, INMATE SUPERVISION, INMATE RIGHTS, DISCIPLINE, MAIL AND VISITING, RECEPTION AND RELEASE, CLASSIFICATION, INMATE WORK PROGRAMS, RELEASE PREPARATION, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES. A GLOSSARY IS INCLUDED.