ABOUT THESE ARTICLES: They are in PDF format and may be distributed for local use only. They may be cited in publications but not
reproduced for widescale distribution without permisision of the author.
(Reducing the Costs of Jail Construction) An
Evolutionary Step in Direct Supervision Jails: Organizational Culture, Design, and Costs of the Falkenburg Road Jail
This jail is
more advanced than typical direct supervision jails. The article explains how, by improving the effectiveness of inmate supervision, the
cost of jail design can be reduced.
(This article appeared in the March/April, 2007 issue of American Jails, the official
magazine of the American Jail Association.)
We avoided the typical
consultant's role, which is to study the criminal justice system, write a report, and go away. Instead, we became actively involved
in examining the processing of inmates and working with the prosecutor, public defender, pretrial release program, and judges
in reducing delay. -- The results were dramatic.
This article contains pictures and
discussion of four types of inmate housing units. The designs are examined in light of inmate management, liability, and costs.
Suggestions are also provided about how to select an architect and ensure that a new jail design complies with recommended correctional standards.
Decision makers concerned about the adequacy of information used in
planning jails may be surprised at the limitations of the most frequently used approach for studying jail needs.
This article defines jail bloating, explains what produces
it, provides indicators that will help diagnose its existence, and offers a variety of strategies for its remedy. [This
is a large file with graphics, so please be patient while it loads.]
Six aspects county commissioners should know that will help in making decisions on jail budgetsand issues affecting county liability. (This article was distributed in Oklahoma to all counties and was recommended reading
for candidates running for office by the Oklahoma State Jail Inspector.)
Recidivism: A Fruit Salad Concept in
the Criminal Justice World
Decision makers should be "healthy skeptics" when encountering information about recidivism in
public statements and reports. This article explains how the concept of recidivism can be misleading and what to ask in evaluating
recidivism information.
How much will a new jail cost?" is one of the early questions county
commissioners and taxpayers often ask before a new jail is planned. This article explores why early estimates are often inaccurate.
What are four key questions in estimating bed space requirements and how can
you ensure that cost reduction options will be identified? (This article first appeared in The Corrections Professional, April
18, 1997 and has been updated to reflect current construction costs.)
>> Model RFP: Jail Needs Assessment (Article
restricted to counties)
This article will help counties write an effective request for proposals, RFP, to select a jail planner. Thearticle explains what should be included in an RFP and provides examples. The model 's template format will help reduce the guesswork
of writing the RFP. Click here for information on how to easily obtain a copy.
