NCJ Number
106720
Date Published
1984
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study - conducted in June, July, and August 1984 determined nine sample Montana county jails' degree of compliance with State jail standards and estimated the operational and capital cost impact of statewide compliance with the standards.
Abstract
The nine-jail sample was a cross-section of jails statewide as to age, size, and location. On-site visits, surveys, and telephone followup were used to determine each jail's compliance with the standards. On average, the facilities complied with approximately 20 percent of all categorical standards. Complete compliance with the standards is estimated to cost $4.6 million, of which $4.1 million are capital costs. The projected cost of compliance for the remaining 30 jails in the State (excluding 6 in the planning stages) is $15.9 million. To achieve standards compliance, counties may construct new facilities and renovate old ones, reduce the number of jails by constructing large regional facilities, or reduce the jail population to facilitate compliance with space standards. Despite the high cost of complying with jail standards, compliance will reduce vulnerability to legal action and produce safer and more humane jails as well as improved staff morale. 4 tables. For the executive summary of the final report, see NCJ 106721.