NCJ Number
176016
Journal
American Jails Volume: 12 Issue: 5 Dated: November/December 1998 Pages: 9-17
Date Published
1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses advances in jail construction.
Abstract
Contemporary jails are safer, more healthful, easier to manage than older designs, and better reflect the principles of presumptive innocence or conviction for less serious offenses under the rule of law in a civilized society. The three biggest macro design changes are podular housing units, decentralized services and improved and enlarged intake areas. These features were developed in the 1970s and 1980s and were given great impetus by designs reflecting direct supervision and direct surveillance prisoner management philosophies. Centralized services for meals and visiting have been reorganized to minimize prisoner movement. Better classification systems, individual cells, dayrooms with good sight lines, communications from cells to control points, supervised dormitories and sufficient lines of separation in jails contribute to greater safety of staff and inmates. Notes