NCJ Number
120677
Journal
American Jails Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1989) Pages: 49-54
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In 1982 the Kentucky General Assembly drafted House Bill 440 -- a collection of the most sweeping reforms in the history of Kentucky county jails.
Abstract
Under the previous Old English Jailer Fee System, most of Kentucky's jails were poorly managed, unsafe, and ineffective. The 1982 legislation created a funding mechanism to assist counties in the construction and operation of the county facilities. The legislation permits counties to operate a regional jail shared by one or more surrounding counties, a full-service jail in a single county, a 96-hour holding facility, and a 12-hour holding facility. The Corrections Cabinet Duty was established to develop minimum standards for all county jails, conduct jail inspections, cite violations, enforce disciplinary measures, and approve jail construction. Perhaps the most significant change under the legislation was the creation of a special fund to make construction of a new jail facility a possibility for counties with deficient jails. Jail staff training has also been upgraded under the legislation. Staff retention and morale has improved significantly under the new regime.