NCJ Number
78694
Date Published
1981
Length
102 pages
Annotation
This book examines the present state-of-the-art in jail management and discusses the future demands that will be placed on county jails by the criminal justice system as well as the capabilities the present system has to respond to such demands.
Abstract
Guidelines for managing the daily, traditional aspects of jail management and security are augmented by information on how to run a modern correctional center that conforms to all current legal requirements. Both short-term and long-term managerial planning is addressed. Specific topics include inmate services and programs; personnel management of correctional officers; legal aspects of running a constitutional jail; screening, intake, and classification; medical care and a model medical program; use of community resources for the jail; general security and emergency plans; and the planning of a new jail facility. Among problems besetting local jails is the law enforcement and custodial orientation of most county sheriffs and other personnel assigned to jail duty. Facility shortcomings can be attributed to limited funds and allocation practices that neglect maintenance and remodeling needs and inmate programs and services. The conditions in many jails are not in conformity with prescriptions of the law, and aggressive prisoners are frequently able to prey upon weaker inmates. In the future, increased emphasis will be placed on rehabilitation programs in community settings, and greater interest will be required of jail administrators and county sheriffs in providing adequate facilities and services. Jail facilities may eventually become the hub of community corrections, integrated with existing probation and parole services. A new breed of professional personnel and managers is foreseen as actively operating correctional centers. References and photographs accompany individual chapters. Appendixes contain the text of Michigan's strip search law and a discussion of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Corrections Program in Michigan. An index is also given.