NCJ Number
229849
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 64-67
Date Published
October 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the evolution of a process that led to replacing the antiquated Iowa State Penitentiary with a new maximum-security facility, the development of a new classification system, and new and updated policy standards for mentally ill and female offenders.
Abstract
The catalyst for such dramatic change was the escape of two inmates at the maximum-security Iowa State Penitentiary in November 2005. In the spring of 2006, the governor and Iowa Legislature approved $500,000 for "a systemic study and planning of the State prisons system to maximize the efficient use of the current infrastructure, capacity, and treatment needs, versus projected needs of the prison system based on the Iowa prison population forecast." The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) selected the Durrant Group to lead the systemic study, which then contracted with Pulitzer Bogard & Associates (PBA) to assess treatment programming, as well as the Criminal Justice Institute, which would assess and update the DOC's inmate custody classification system as reflected in standards of the American Correctional Association. On April 13, 2007, Durrant issued a preliminary report entitled, "State of Iowa Systemic Study for the State Correctional System." The report recommended replacing the Iowa State Penitentiary with a new maximum-security facility; an update of the prison custody classification system to be more gender responsive and dynamic; and the expansion of community-based residential beds at four locations in order to reduce waiting lists. The report also called for housing all female offenders in one institution. In addition, the report emphasized the importance of using evidence-based practice in correctional functions; building on reentry programming; and conducting analyses of treatment and medical staff in order to identify staffing gaps. A report was issued in April 2008, indicating that "significant progress had been made on implementing the short-term recommendations."