NCJ Number
149154
Date Published
Unknown
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This monograph focuses on one of the most immediate concerns of correctional policymakers in West Virginia, namely what options they have concerning the imminent closing of the State penitentiary at Moundsville.
Abstract
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ordered that the penitentiary had to be closed by July 1, 1992, as conditions there were constitutionally inadequate and without significant possibility of sufficient improvement. In this case, the Court had to deal with issues of discipline and due process, problems with respect to medical and dental care, guidelines covering prison law libraries, questions surrounding the status of administrative segregation, and the concept of "totality of conditions." In discussing penitentiary replacement options, this monograph covers contemporary housing and construction concepts, renovation and construction options under the assumption of one penitentiary located at Moundsville, and financing options. A separate chapter explores the possibility of prison privatization, outlining potential advantages and drawbacks with regard to legal issues, cost, accountability, management, and political considerations. 87 references