NCJ Number
111869
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1985) Pages: 38-48
Date Published
1985
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes a study on planning and decisionmaking in constructing correctional facilities.
Abstract
Information for the study was obtained through a mail/telephone survey completed by individuals responsible for construction of new facilities in 15 States. This information was supplemented by visits to three States where project staff toured recently opened institutions and spoke with managers and staff. The facilities described in the survey were: (1) occupied after 1977, most having been opened in 1981, (2) exhibited characteristics common to the 'advanced practices' model, (3) had construction costs ranging from $3.5 million to $31 million, (4) had average length of time of 4 to 5 years from start of planning to occupation, and (5) had units within the department of corrections that managed facilities construction projects. Findings suggest that many of the difficulties encountered during the planning process and facility operations relate to inadequate involvement in the process by departments of correction. Many of the restrictions to this involvement can be linked to the administrative structure used, the mechanisms for controlling the expenditure of State funds, the political environment in which such activities occur, and the pressures common to the criminal justice system. Yet, findings often revealed a great lack of ability or effort to actively participate in the process of building facilities for their own use. The tendency clearly has been for the corrections profession to have others make decisions for it. The most useful approach to effective participation has been the creation of 'project management units' which provide a permanent staff, knowledgeable about channels of communication, and able to keep records on all aspects of construciton in the department. 15 footnotes.