NCJ Number
182554
Journal
American Jails Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: March/April 2000 Pages: 55-59
Date Published
2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In order to assess the state-of-the-art of jail inspection programs nationally, the authors forwarded a survey to all 50 States and the District of Columbia as a follow-up to a 1991 survey; the methodology and findings are summarized in this article.
Abstract
The 1991 survey found 33 jail inspection programs, 25 of which were mandatory, meaning that standards compliance was required by law. The 1999 survey found 34 programs, 39 of which are mandatory. Perhaps the most dramatic change in programs was in Florida. Florida had the most aggressive inspection and compliance process in the Nation. Inspections were conducted by State inspectors who petition the courts to require compliance. This petition process was required as a result of litigation brought years ago when plaintiffs accused the Secretary of Corrections of not enforcing the State jail standards. Generally mandatory State jail inspection programs are housed in a variety of State governmental agencies, with most (17) being in the Department of Corrections. Inspections are typically conducted by inspectors employed by the inspection agency, and inspections are conducted individually or in teams. The 1999 survey showed little change in how sanctions are initiated and enforced. Sanctions include a continuum from informal persuasion to formal action initiated by the State jail inspection agency and approved by a court or other state authority. Every respondent attested to having a role as a technical assistance provider. Although most new inspectors have experience in corrections, most lack investigative, educative, and facilitative skills that are critical to their effectiveness. 2 notes and a table with information on each State's survey responses for both 1991 and 1999