NCJ Number
130629
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 146-148
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
New Jersey's use of direct-supervision correctional facilities has increased staff efficiency and effective inmate control while reducing overall costs.
Abstract
The basic concept of direct-supervision management (DSM) is that through the design of cell clusters, or pods, and the management techniques of correctional officers, potentially violent situations can be defused. DSM facilities incorporate humane, barrier-free design into a podular structure that contains cells for up to 64 inmates with centralized recreational and dining facilities. Decentralized inmate services in each pod reduce the distances inmates must travel, thereby eliminating one of the primary causes of disturbances. The tiered podular arrangement of cells gives corrections officers easy surveillance of the entire structure. This line-of-sight capability, not achieved in any other correctional facility design, allows officers to prevent problems, effectively manage inmates, and keep order. The pods' open design eliminates the need for costly steel bars and doors, electronic locking systems, and stainless steel fixtures, thus reducing construction costs. Key principles of the DSM approach are effective control and supervision, competent staff, staff and inmate safety, manageable and cost-effective operations, and accurate classification. Accurate classification is essential, since violent and problem inmates must be identified for housing in maximum-security facilities.