Sheriff's Guide to Effective Jail Operations

• NCJ Number: 217207
• Author(s): Mark D. Martin; Paul Katsampes DPA
• Date Published: January 2007
• Length: 61 pages
• Grant Number(s): 06J46GJJ2
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Sale Source: National Institute of Corrections; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded February 2, 2007.

Annotation

This guide provides an overview of the sheriff's roles and responsibilities in the management and operation of the jail, as well as basic information on critical aspects of jail operations and management.

Abstract

The first chapter reviews the role and purpose of the jail in the local criminal justice system and describes the characteristics of the jail population. The sheriff's roles and responsibilities are described in chapter 2. Specific responsibilities are listed under the sheriff's roles as leader, manager, and supervisor. In supporting the jail administrator and contributing to the effective functioning of the jail, the sheriff is advised to stay informed, be proactive, secure adequate resources for the jail, provide leadership, and be an advocate for the jail. The third chapter provides detailed guidelines for what is involved in the sheriff's providing effective leadership and support for the jail. Support and leadership functions include creating a vision, developing and implementing the jail's mission and goals, the management of human resources, the creation of a positive organizational culture, the management of the external environment, and the development of public policy. Chapter 4 covers jail liability and standards, followed by a chapter on the jail physical plant. The latter chapter considers the characteristics of facilities that support effective jail operations; capacity and jail crowding; and environmental conditions, sanitation, and maintenance. Chapter 6 discusses 13 critical aspects of jail operations. These are adequate staffing; recruitment, selection, and retention; staff training and supervision; policies, procedures, and post orders; security; safety; emergency preparedness; inmate behavior management; inmate discipline and grievance; special management; inmate services; inmate programs; and intake and release. The final chapter presents a list of steps new sheriffs can take to understand how their jail operates and identify any potential problem areas. A 26-item bibliography