NCJ Number
185582
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 5 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 86-90
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton
Date Published
August 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The author discusses correctional facility standards, based on his experience as an architect, in the context of language contained in standards, costs, and security.
Abstract
The author emphasizes that correctional facility standards should be developed based on what is right and not necessarily on what is legal. For example, he notes, relevant natural light standards for adult jails and prisons do not all acknowledge the basic need for natural light in inmate rooms and cells as a best practice. He also points out that correctional facility standards often contain confusing language, and that costs are associated with standards implementation, particularly with respect to construction, maintenance, and operational considerations. Finally, the author indicates that security should be a primary concern, regardless of costs, and that standards should be implemented correctly without cutting corners. 2 figures