NCJ Number
114582
Date Published
1988
Length
440 pages
Annotation
This manual uses the results of a survey of 255 jails of 50 beds or less as the basis of a discussion of the operational and design issues that must be addressed for each functional component of a small jail.
Abstract
The manual emphasizes the main operational questions that influence the physical design of a small jail and integrates architectural and operational information to show the link between a jail's activities and the design of its space. A discussion of planning emphasizes the importance of predesign planning and identifies the characteristics of good planning. Further sections detail major design considerations related to the site selection and design, image and appearance, inmate classification, surveillance and supervision, the impact of staffing, the security perimeter, and basic functional components. Additional sections detail the design and operational issues related to the functional areas of the master control, intake and release, general housing, special housing, health care, visiting areas, exercise areas, programs and services, the inmate commissary, food service, laundry area, administrative and public areas, staff areas, and storage areas. Applicable national standards and research findings, crucial decisions to be made, functional requirements and design impacts, and diagrams are included for each functional component. Final sections discuss special issues such as the use of security glass, describe issues related to policies and procedures, and present designs for a 25-bed facility and a 42-bed facility. 68 references.