Paying the Piper but Changing the Tune: Policy Changes and Initiatives for the American Jail (From American Jails: Public Policy Issues, P 240-246, 1991, Joel A Thompson and G Larry Mays, eds. -- See NCJ-165482)

• NCJ Number: 165497
• Author(s): J A Thompson; G L Mays
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Nelson-Hall Publishers
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After reviewing some of the problems that are confronting jails, this chapter presents eight recommendations for improving jail conditions and operations.

Abstract

Jails lack the capacity to plan, lack rational bases for allocating scarce resources, have little public support, operate without clearly defined missions, are physically and relationally isolated, are more politically than professionally accountable, and are hampered in reform efforts by staff resistance. This chapter recommends that States provide some form of aid to local governments for jail construction or renovation. Further, States should develop mandatory jail standards; and where they do not exist, inspection and enforcement programs should be developed by States. Also, States should adopt legislation that enables local governments to engage in cooperative agreements to build regional facilities when economies of scale dictate such arrangements. Since local officials are reluctant to commit funds to politically unpopular causes, they should educate citizens about the local jail's functions and conditions. After creating greater awareness about the jail among the citizenry, local officials should develop long-term financial plans that ensure adequate funding for jail construction or renovation, staffing, and operation. Other recommendations are that local officials require jails to have written policies and procedures and that communities explore alternatives to incarceration.