NCJ Number
112626
Journal
American Jails Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 11-13
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The emergency detention center, a part of the Orleans Parish (Louisiana) jail system, houses almost 400 inmates in canvas tents guarded by uniformed deputy sheriffs.
Abstract
Because of an increasing inmate population, Orleans Parish has had to be creative in finding additional bed space. During the 1980's, a firehouse, a motel, an elementary school, and an office building were added to the jail complex. With the help of inmate labor, these facilities provided low-cost bed space. Need for still more bed space led to the acquisition of 10 army-issue tents capable of housing 150 inmates. Deputies and inmates erected perimeter security fencing, electricity was installed, wood flooring was constructed, portable toilets and outdoor washbasins were added, and a small trailer was included as a command post. Smoke detectors, supplementary water supplies, and an emergency generator also were installed. Initial work was completed in less than a month at a cost under $100,000. Since 1983, various improvements have been made, and additional beds have been added. Although capital funds have been allocated to construct a new jail facility, this tent city will continue to serve as a backup to accommodate seasonal fluctuations in the inmate population or to provide emergency housing should other facilities have to be evacuated. Photographs.