NCJ Number
137971
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 45-47
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Shifting populations, jail standards that mandate costly rules, court decisions regarding constitutional guarantees against cruel and unusual punishment, and a State budget crisis have combined to bring the issue of regional jails to the forefront in Iowa corrections.
Abstract
In the past, the sheriffs' association and county supervisor boards have acted together to support and strengthen local control of county jails. But prison overpopulation, privatization of institutional management, and stringent State standards have caused local authorities to review their position. However, the issue of regionalization is far from settled in Iowa. Some local authorities are reluctant to commit long-term resources to build new jails or to bring their facilities into line with State standards. Other county officials rush into new projects, failing to coordinate their efforts with other governmental agencies. What is clear is that Iowa, where many jails have extremely limited capacities and are therefore costly to operate, must somehow consolidate and streamline its county correctional systems.