NCJ Number
122731
Journal
American Jails Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 38-39,41-44
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A community task force model in a Texas rural county used influential community representatives to assess community needs and to develop recommendations for meeting the community's need for jail services.
Abstract
The County Jail Task Force was composed of 24 local citizens, selected by the county commissioners, and six consultants. At the outset, most task force members were unsympathetic to constructing a new jail. The task force established the limits of its investigation and developed alternative solutions to problems. The task force was divided into four committees, each concerned with major issues concerning the jail: population, program, facilities, and finance. The task force finally recommended the construction of a new jail on another site, using certificates of obligation as the financing method. The task force reached its conclusions by becoming informed on the issues and needs involved, compromising between community needs and State standards, and developing community support for critical services. The task force proved effective in providing a structure for local government officials and community members to work together to address controversial community issues. 33 references.