NCJ Number
157302
Date Published
1994
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes how and why operating costs vary widely among comparable correctional facilities of the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) and recommends three ways to reduce DOC costs.
Abstract
The analysis revealed that four factors are particularly important in the operating costs of DOC facilities. These are geographic location, facility design and layout, economies of scale, and housing unit size. The analysis revealed three types of opportunities for reducing costs. These are to replace inefficient facilities, make better use of existing facilities, and take advantage of economies of scale. Ways to make better use of existing facilities are to operate them at different security levels, house different programs, or increase the overall current capacity by security level by changing how facilities are used. In addition, the three major, co-located facilities at Monroe can be administered as one institution. Footnotes, figures, and appended DOC comments and background information