NCJ Number
153582
Journal
American Jails Volume: 8 Issue: 6 Dated: (January/February 1995) Pages: 75-78
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the current overcrowding situation in Virginia's State prisons and describes the Arlington County Detention Facility's (Virginia) efforts to manage the problems associated with the backup of State prisoners.
Abstract
The longer term, more sophisticated State-ready inmates housed in the Arlington County Detention Facility to relieve overcrowding in State prisons has required a policy of direct supervision. Correctional officers have been placed inside the housing areas that had previously been observed by staff from a control booth with rounds conducted on the half hour. Additionally, the old linear cellblocks have been divided into zones whereby four eight-inmate blocks are assigned to a primary officer on each shift. Case-management revisions have involved making classification officers case managers, with each officer assigned a caseload typically corresponding to a floor of the facility and the 100-150 inmates residing there. An objective classification system combines a "decision tree" initial custody assessment with a point system for post-intake housing assignment and reclassification decisions. Other measures adopted have been substance abuse programming and the creation of a disciplinary segregation unit. Although the facility is still not the place for State-ready inmates, the modifications made have improved its ability to handle such inmates safely and securely. 6 notes