NCJ Number
191608
Journal
Prison Review International Issue: 1 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 34-37
Date Published
July 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the application of best practices in correctional architecture.
Abstract
Early in 1999, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) began to renovate and upgrade their criminal justice facilities, institute some new procedures, and plan for construction of a new facility. The proposed new juvenile facility will incorporate clustered housing units to accommodate up to 60 juveniles. The housing units are individual buildings located within a secure compound. The planners' goal is to adhere to all of the American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards for Juvenile Detention Facilities. The city of Philadelphia has transformed an old factory building into a short-term living environment for women during the last months of their county sentences. The women will receive individual attention and assistance in dealing with physical and behavioral health, work readiness, and spiritual needs. The facility was designed to house 244 offenders, meeting all building codes and ACA standards. The Project Director for the Philadelphia Prison System claims that the building provides "exemplary living and inmate service spaces in a facility with positive cost comparisons to traditional building and operational practices."