NCJ Number
106784
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This construction bulletin explains how the Federal prison system chooses and acquires sites for new prisons.
Abstract
The bulletin is designed to aid State and local officials who are confronting the issue of prison construction. Law enforcement officials agree that the most serious problem facing the criminal justice system is prison and jail crowding. More prisons are needed. The Federal Bureau of Prisons is engaged in the largest facilities expansion program in its history. When the Federal Government looks for prison sites, it looks first for existing Federal facilities that could be acquired and converted to correctional use in areas where there are sufficient prisoners to justify establishing a new prison. It also seeks land that could be donated at nominal cost, provided the land has roads and utilities in place or readily available. The bulletin details the specifics of the Bureau of Prisons site selection criteria, including an analysis of the environmental impact associated with the construction of a prison on a specific site. The bulletin also describes the Bureau's policies for working with community groups during the site selection process. Those seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Construction Information Exchange, a Federal initiative that provides information on construction costs for jails and prisons built since 1978. 3 illustrations.