NCJ Number
169346
Journal
American Jails Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (September/October 1995) Pages: 23-24,26-27
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission evaluated the oversight of health and safety conditions in Virginia's local jail facilities in 1994.
Abstract
The Virginia General Assembly mandated the study. The commission collected information by means of onsite inspections of a sample of jails, an analysis of the annual inspection process and the certification audits, a survey of jail administrators, and discussions of jail health and safety issues with State and local corrections officials. The analysis revealed that most of the 93 local and regional jails meet the standards set out by the Board of Corrections, several significant exceptions highlight the need for strengthened oversight of the jails. Overcrowding appears to be the most significant impediment to maintaining proper conditions in Virginia's local jails. In addition, some of the jail standards lack clarity; others fail to provide clear directives for jail staff; and others lack the important life, health, and safety designation. Recommended methods of strengthening the oversight and enforcement mechanisms of the Department of Corrections include unannounced annual inspections, strengthening of the annual inspection process, and revision of the certification audit cycle. Additional options for improving conditions in local jails include requiring the involvement of health departments in jail oversight, emphasizing regional jails, and other measures. In response to the JLARC report, both legislative and executive action have occurred to improve health and safety conditions in Virginia's local jails.