NCJ Number
76930
Date Published
1980
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the basic conclusions reached in a study which evaluated alternative methods of housing convicted felons sentenced to the custody of the California Department of Corrections (CDC).
Abstract
The study focused on adult male and female felons and civil narcotic commitments sentenced to CDC custody. Information was gathered by means of surveys of current CDC facilities and alternative housing in California and of security classifications and standards for evaluating corrections facilities throughout the United States. Emphasis was placed on the identification of reasonable alternatives to traditional prison construction that would provide the State with a more economical method of fulfilling its prisoner housing responsibilities. Alternatives considered included the expanded use of camps, prerelease centers, and county correctional facilities and the use of existing noncorrections facilities for corrections purposes. It was concluded that alternative housing should be a central element in CDC's facilities plan. Development of a prerelease community residential program, expansion of the use of camps, and consideration of the use of three Air Force radar stations, the property of the California School for the Deaf, and certain facilities available at Hamilton Air Force Base were recommended. Analysis of the costs and benefits of three basic options indicated that continuation of the existing situation would be the least desirable approach. It was recommended that all cells considerably under 60 square feet be replaced and that dormitory living space be used at either 50 or 60 square feet per inmate. Instead of adopting one of these options, the legislature may wish to use the CDC standard of 75 square feet per inmate in dormitories and add about 2,000 beds at a cost of $80 million to $120 million. Deficiencies in existing facilities should be addressed within the funding capability provided by the legislature. Additional recommendations along with maps, footnotes, and tables are included. For the full report, see NCJ 76931.