In the intricate realm of correctional facility design, the process extends beyond mere architectural blueprints to a collaborative effort among designers, law enforcement and administrative authorities.
Before designing a jail facility, designers work with the county administrators, sheriff, corrections staff and county supervisors to determine the necessary size for the housing area. This involves more than just counting beds. Key to this work is analyzing historical data, including past occupancies, population trends, reasons for detainment, and detainee classification.
The Detainee Classification Process
Classification may be the most misunderstood aspect for the general public. It involves identifying an inmate’s housing, physical and mental health, safety, and other needs and assigning a classification to them for the proper level of security.
The concept of classification isn’t new in detainee placement. For years, the state of Wisconsin has required jails to establish a prisoner classification system based on objective criteria, such as the prisoner’s current offense, criminal record, gender, history of behavior in jail, medical and mental health conditions, and any other factors deemed necessary to ensure the protection of prisoners, staff and the general public.
In 2014, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections added an administrative rule mandating that, in addition to state law, county sheriffs must establish and maintain an objective objective prisoner classification system to determine prisoner custody status, housing assignment, programs and community service projects. Under this rule, the jail must have policies and procedures relating to classification, including staff training, initial classification and reclassification procedures, and a prisoner appeal process.1
Law enforcement agencies are also required to establish a policy for screening detainees for illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance abuse problems. To facilitate this work, most counties in Wisconsin use a standardized objective evaluation software system developed by a third-party vendor.
Today, a basic evaluation for detainees requires a facility to have at least 18 separate classifications. Other factors could multiply the quantity required such as the severity of the offense, age, mental health condition, history of behavior, and case status. Older facilities, especially those with linear designs, were often designed when there were only six classifications identified — minimum, medium, and maximum security for males and females — and don’t easily accommodate the increased number of classifications necessary for proper housing.
Overcrowding Creates Challenges
Overcrowding, which frequently occurs, makes it more difficult for staff to house detainees in compliance with state statues and DOC requirements. This increases stress on correctional officers and can lead to staff turnover.
In designing a jail today, a 15% flexibility margin is factored in as well as the need for 15% single occupancy cells. A jail is deemed at full operational capacity when 85% of the beds are filled, leaving room for reclassifications.
New jail designs need to account for more housing opportunities and separated housing units. The latest jail design is known as “podular,” which allows for more than 20 different classifications. Housing sub-pods are oriented around an officer’s station for direct sight lines (like a sliced pie) with special needs cells located in the front of the office for focused attention.
Securely Transporting Detainees
Another key component in jail design is getting detainees to court safely and securely. To escort them in the quickest and shortest way possible, having the jail adjacent to courts in a properly designed facility is the best method.
A secure court-holding area ideally should be located between two courtrooms. it is an extension of the jail and needs to provide court-holding rooms, a security officer station, a juvenile conference room, and a non-contact attorney/detainee visitation room.
The best design includes a single, secure corridor from housing to court holding, taking the shortest path possible. The design should prevent any crossing circulation with the public or judicial personnel. A well-designed corridor can also allow for self-escorting of a detainee to the court holding area, depending on the charge. This arrangement can alleviate some staff tasks and allow staff to perform their duties more efficiently.
Jail design is a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, corrections and administrative staff. It addresses complex detainee classification and housing issues as demonstrated by Wisconsin’s evolving systems. These changes show a commitment to detainee and staff safety. Innovative approaches such as the “podular” concept are being adopted to cater to diverse detainee needs and alleviate the workload of correctional officers. Efficient detainee transport from jails to courthouses is crucial for ensuring the safety of detainees, staff and the public. Ultimately, a meticulously planned jail facility not only meets statutory requirements but also optimizes efficiency and safeguards all occupants.
Optional rooms for staff efficiency may include non-custody booking, fingerprinting and a motion room, which is a semi-secure area accessible by judicial personnel an detainees through separate entrances. The motion room setup should permit all parties to enter the room safely and hold private discussions without requiring the public to vacate the courtroom, allowing the judicial system to operate more efficiently.
These areas should be designed for sound resistance, accessibility and confidentiality. It isn’t uncommon for a detainee to try to disrupt the court process by flushing toilets, banging on walls, or screaming. All rooms need to be accessible to those with disabilities and designed so the security officer has direct sightlines to the rooms but prevents detainees of different genders from seeing or hearing each other.
