NCJ Number
225704
Date Published
December 2008
Length
246 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes findings and presents recommendations from the Regional Jail Feasibility Study for three counties in Southwest Michigan.
Abstract
Currently, the three counties--Allegan, Kalamazoo, and Kent--operate separate jails. All three jails are either near, at, or over capacity. In mid-2007, the three counties formed a partnership to explore the feasibility of a regional jail. The recommendations from the feasibility study that apply to all three counties pertain to an evaluation of the current criminal justice system and the need to reach a consensus on characteristics of a balanced system; planning for a regional jail; its design; and its operations. Additional recommendations are presented for each of the three counties. The Steering Committee that has guided the feasibility study decided that each county’s situation, needs, and options should be examined separately as a foundation for exploring potential regional partnerships. For each county, project staff reviewed existing facilities and operations, analyzed historical jail occupancy and operational data, examined inmate characteristics, developed project capacity needs, identified the range of options for meeting projected needs, and estimated 30-year life-cycle costs for each option. From the discussion with county representatives, it was clear they envisioned some sort of newly constructed jail facility. The consultants explored the range of potential regional partnerships that might offer solutions to the needs of the three counties. The Steering Committee identified the benefits that might make the pursuit of regional partnerships a cost-effective approach. The benefits envisioned pertain to finances (annual and long-term total cost saving); the effectiveness of programs and services; the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and situations; and an expansion of the sentencing options available to the county courts. Appendixes provide detailed information for each county and a summary of the findings of a national survey of regional jails conducted on behalf of the three counties. 21 figures