NCJ Number
132760
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1991) Pages: 112-116,118-119
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The new pretrial detention facility in Duval County (Fla.) represents an innovative and economical approach to jail design and construction based on the need to address longstanding jail overcrowding, court injunctions, and community pressures.
Abstract
The facility has an inmate capacity of nearly 2,200 adult males and females as well as juveniles. Design decisions rested on cost and safety considerations. Therefore, glazing has been used instead of bars throughout the facility to improve visibility, safety, and hygiene; reduce maintenance and energy costs; and provide an absolute safety barrier. All intake procedures occur on the first floor in a sequence that avoids backtracking through the facility. The first floor also contains holding cells, an inmate property room, administrative areas, and three courtrooms. Each additional floor houses 380 inmates in 2 pods supervised by 5 correctional officers. Electronic doors are used in some areas to permit inmate movement without supervision. The building was constructed almost entirely of prestressed, precast concrete. Each cell consists of a modular unit that is two cells high. The building exterior has the appearance of a hotel. Building cost per inmate was $30,000, considerably below the national average of $65,000. Photographs