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Special Focus: Jails

NCJ Number
108785
Journal
National Sheriff Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (December 1987-January 1988) Pages: 18-19,22-24,26,28-29,33,35,37,40-44
Author(s)
R C Carr; W Hill; C A Fasano; M D Schrunk; C Peed; J P Flood; J VonArx
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Seven articles examine issues relevant to jail management, including overcrowding, costs, financing, and electronic monitoring.
Abstract
Michigan's approach to prison construction financing is described, and the advantages of lease-purchase bonds as a creative and effective technique are considered. Levels of conscience (proactive, retroactive, and none) are discussed with reference to the special problems posed to correctional officers by manipulative sociopathic jail inmates. Manipulative strategies (e.g., confidant, jailhouse lawyer, model prisoner) used by sociopaths also are described. The National Commission on Correctional Health Care standards are described, and jail accreditation is discussed as strategy for reducing the risk of inmate litigation. The jail overcrowding plan developed by the Mullnomah County Jail (Oregon) is described. Its components include expansion of supervisory programs, use of electronic surveillance bracelets, and the addition of bed space financed by a serial levey. A formula is provided for determining inmate per diem costs that considers personnel and other direct costs and indirect costs, equipment and building depreciation, and total available prisoner days. The success of a Wisconsin jail expansion program is discussed in terms of the contributions of sound planning, good business judgment, an exceptional staff, and fortuitous circumstances. A final article examines the use of electronic monitoring as a solution to jail overcrowding (See NCJ 108786). Photographs.