NCJ Number
168816
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: May/June 1996 Pages: 27-29-31
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The use of the Shelby County Correction Center (SCCC) in Memphis, Tenn., to house State prisoners has many benefits and few problems.
Abstract
Due to a building program funded by both the county and the State in the latter 1980's and early 1990's, the SCCC can house State inmates in one area, rather than mixing them with the general jail population. More space has allowed the SCCC to set aside up to 252 beds for State inmates in an effort to help relieve overcrowding in the State system. A list of State inmates is sent to SCCC's Diagnostic Center. The Diagnostic Center's staff classifies each inmate, paying special attention to length of sentence and other factors that have an impact on classification. State inmates are processed into the jail like other inmates and are assigned a classification level and a housing area. Since 1994, State inmates have been given wider access to all available treatment programs, vocational programs, and other institutional activities. They are not permitted, however, to work outside the facility. Some benefits of the program are that State inmates whose families reside in the county receive more visits from family members. Being housed in the county of conviction also improves the logistics for inmates who petition the court and gives victims easier access to parole hearings. Minor problems include the computation of sentence reductions due to good behavior and inmate boredom.