NCJ Number
130278
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (May/June 1991) Pages: 40-42,44
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A national survey was conducted to determine the extent and nature of jail inspection programs.
Abstract
The purpose was to gather demographic information about these programs and to assess their quality. Twenty-five of the State jail standards and inspection programs were mandatory, and eight were voluntary. In general, the mandatory programs were created by legislation except in Virginia which established its standards administratively through its Board of Corrections. The other agencies developed their standards based upon statutory authority and published them as administrative rules and regulations. Inspections were conducted annually, although some states inspected on a biannual basis. Every program conducted inspections of jails, but many extended the inspections to other types of facilities. The states reported a variety of official sanctions, but also claimed numerous informal means to influence compliance. With the exceptions of Tennessee, Oregon, and Virginia, states with mandatory programs provided sanctions for noncompliance with standards. All of the states with mandatory programs other than Virginia and those with legislatively established voluntary programs reported that they provide technical assistance.