N A A T A P

Native American and Alaskan Technical Assistance Project

PROJECT GUIDE:
Adult Correctional
Facility Design Resources

Part of A Series of Guides for Planning, Designing

and Constructing Adult and Juvenile Correctional and
Detention Facilities on Tribal Lands
 The Native American and Alaskan Technical Assistance Project
(NAATAP) was created pursuant to an interagency agreement
between the National Institute of Corrections and the Bureau of P u rp o s e
Justice Assistance.
The purpose of e a ch NAATAP Guide is to communicate substantive
information concerning a range of subjects that are relevant to the
development of adult and juvenile detention and correctional facilities
in Indian Country. This series of guides grew out of a recognition
that there we re common concerns and questions being raised by Tribes
National Institute of Corrections and consultants developing new correctional facilities on Native lands
throughout the country. The guides seek to provide re s e a rch and
Morris Thigpen, Director information on issues of common concern to the Tribes. These guides
Larry Solomon, Deputy Director also seek to document the knowledge and experience gained by Justice
Planners International LLC (JPI) while providing technical assistance
320 First Street, NW to tribes engaged in the facility development process.
Washington, DC 20534
(800) 995-6423
A c k n ow l e d ge m e nt s
Bureau of Justice Assistance JPI acknowledges the assistance of the many consultants who con-
tributed their expertise in the preparation of this series of guides.
Domingo S. Herraiz, Director
These materials were developed and reviewed by individuals with
Mark Roscoe, Branch Chief
diverse backgrounds, expertise and experience in planning and design
of juvenile and adult correctional and detention facilities, as well as
810 Seventh Street NW
analysis, design and operation of justice programs, facilities and sys-
Fourth Floor
tems on a local, state and national level.
Washington, DC 20531
(202) 616-6500
Points of view and opinions in this document are those of the authors
and do not necessarily re p resent the official position or policies of the
U.S. Department of Justice or affiliated agencies. The information is
not to be taken as a wa rranty or representation for wh i ch JPI assumes
legal responsibility. Any use of this information must be determined
P re p a red under National Institute of C o rrections Cooperative by the user to be in accordance with the policies of the user’s orga n i z a-
A greement 04S07GIU2 with Justice Planners International LLC (JPI), tion and with applicable fe d e ral, state and tribal laws and regulations.
29 Donnybrook Drive, Demarest, NJ 07627 and 1179 Clifton Road,
Atlanta, GA 30307. principals: Shelley Zavlek and Mark Goldman.
 N A A T A P
Native American and Alaskan Technical Assistance Project

PROJECT GUIDE:
Adult Correctional
Facility Design Resources

Author

Justice Planners International LLC (JPI)

JPI Project Staff: Shelley Zavlek and Mark Goldman, Principals;

Anthony H. Jones and Joshua LeFrancois, Associates
I nt ro d u ct i o n
This project guide presents an annotated bibliography of resources that
may be useful to those planning and designing adult detention and cor-
rectional facilities. Indeed, a multitude of literature pertaining to the
planning and design of jails exists, and this collection represents mere-
ly a fraction of it. It is, however, intended to cover a broad range of
issues pertaining to planning and design. While the reference selec-
tions made for this particular guide are geared mostly toward the plan-
ning and design of jails, some documents that pertain to both juvenile
and adult facilities, and several documents that concern financing and
construction, are also included.

It is recommended that each Tribe’s planning and design team review

the brief descriptions of the documents contained in this project guide
and determine the relative merits of each. Then the sources that seem
most applicable to the project should be acquired to be used for the fol-
lowing purposes:

■ To increase familiarity with “state of the art” jail architecture,

and with design issues and options
■ To inspire concepts and encourage creative problem solving
■ To share ideas and communicate effectively with other Tribal
participants, and with architects and consultants

The sources, which range in size from small booklets to large books, are
arranged alphabetically.
S e l e c t e d Re s o u rc e s o n Co r re c t i o n a l Examines state-of-the-art methods of construction and financing for
Fa cility Planning and Design correctional institutions, focusing on Ohio's Ross Correctional
Institution. Discusses adaptability of the systems construction approach
Arrington, Lynn R. III and Terry L. Stewart. “Staff Safety by Design.” to the podular/direct-supervision concept of jail design and manage-
Corrections Today, July 2000. Vol. 62, No. 4. American Correctional ment, and explores various strategies for construction financing.
Association. 6p.
The article explores design solutions to ensuring staff safety. Specific Ditton, Paula M. Jails in Indian Country, 1998 and 1999. (Part of a series of
examples include: control room design and security rating, pass devices, publications). U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (Washington, DC). 2000. 58 p.
pod supervision, areas of refuge, and positive staff and inmate identi- As of June 30, 1999 there were 69 correctional facilities supervising
fication. 1,693 individuals in Indian Country. Statistics cover: the number of
persons under supervision, in custody and in the community; admis-
Atlas, Randall I. and Leonard Witke. “ADA: Proposed Final Regulations sions and releases; deaths and suicides; facility characteristics such as
for Courthouses, Jails and Prisons.” Corrections Today, April, 2000. Vol. 6. function, age and capacity; facilities under court order or consent decree
No. 2. American Correctional Association. 5 p. for overcrowding or other reason(s); and; programs and staffing needs.
This journal article discusses reasonable accommodations and program NIC Accession No. 016212.
accessibility for persons with disabilities as they enter, exit and/or pass
through a building. Specifics include discussions on entrances, signage, Faiver, Kenneth L. and George D Walter. “Design Considerations…For
telephones, security barriers, grab bars, visiting areas, lighting, Health Care Space in a Correctional Facility;” Corrections Today, April,
acoustics mobility aids, toilets, medical isolation cells, and locations of 2000. Vol.6. No. 2. American Correctional Association, 4380 Forbes Blvd.
accessible cells. An ADA compliance checklist is also included. Lanham, MD 20706. 5 p.
This brief article discusses space specific re q u i rements, numbers, acoustics,
Balazs, Csaba. “New Prison Designs: Safe, Secure and…Soft.” Corrections location, HVAC, lead lining of walls, plumbing, storage, privacy, security,
Today, April 1990. American Correctional Association. p 130-133. accommodations for females and elderly and numerous other issues. It also
This article discusses the value of progressive thinking in corrections describes issues related to hygiene, pharmaceuticals, and suicide.
planning. The “soft environment,” is considered as a means of reduc-
ing prison violence and improving behavior. Cost issues are also con- Glick, Barry and Edward E. Rhine. Journal of Correctional Best
sidered, as a good design can lower operating costs significantly. Practices: Juveniles in Adult Correctional Systems. American Correctional
Effective design can help to achieve safer, more humane prisons. Association, 2001. 183p.
This document contains articles on alternatives to incarceration, juve-
The Committee on Architecture for Justice. Justice Facilities Review. The niles in adult facilities, transitioning from incarceration back to com-
American Institute of Architects, Washington DC, 2001(and previous years). munity, and architectural challenges to violent juveniles. (Available
The Justice Facility Review is an annual publication from the American f rom The American Correctional Association, 4380 Forbes Blvd,
Institute of Architects that displays and describes projects that have Lanham, MD 20706).
received recognition from the Committee on Architecture for Justice.
E a ch year’s booklet showcases the state of the art in the design of crimi- Goldman, Mark. Jail Design Review Handbook. National Institute of
nal justice facilities. For eve ry project, there is a floorplan and/or other Corrections. 2002.
d i a gram, and a written description that includes the arch i t e c t ’s statement. Geared for representatives from Tribal and other governments’ plan-
ning and design teams, this document provides checklists that are
DeWitt, Charles B. “Building on Experience: A Case Study of Advanced extremely useful during the design review process. The checklists pose
Construction and Financing Methods for Corrections.” June 1987. dozens of questions aimed to help ensure that the design of a jurisdic-

8 A D ULT CO RRE CTI O N A L FACIL IT Y D E S I G N RE S O URCE S N ATIVE AM E RI CA N A ND A LAS KA N TE CHNI CA L AS S I STA N CE P ROJE CT (N AATA P ) 9
tion’s jail meets that jurisdiction’s needs; and supports its mission, tionship to their designs and construction. NIC accession no. 004956.
intended operations and programs; is safe and secure; and appropriate Internet location: http://www.nicic.org/pubs/pre/004956.pdf
for its offender populations. Although primarily written for jails, most
of it is applicable to Tribal juvenile facilities and combined juvenile Krasnow, Peter. Correctional Facility Design and Detailing. McGraw-Hill,
and adult facilities too. Available in late 2002 from the National New York. 1998.
Institute of Corrections Information Center. This book is an extremely useful reference for professionals in the cor-
rections and academic community to use when designing, detailing and
Harding, B. G., Larry Linke et al. 2001 Directory of Direct Supervision specifying all kinds of correctional facilities. It includes over 350 pages
Jails. LIS, Inc. National Institute of Corrections Information Center of text and illustrations that contribute to a detailed account of the
(Longmont Co). 2001. 176 pp. processes related to the past, present, and future of corrections design
This resource was developed for local officials, jail practitioners, and and planning.
others interested in the design, management, and operations of direct
supervision jails. It is intended to help readers identify jails they may National Institute of Corrections. Design, Construction and Oversight of
want to study, contact or visit. The document provides basic data on Tribal Facilities on Tribal Lands (Participant’s Manual). Ricci Associates
design, bed space, and other aspects of 293 direct supervision facilities. (New York, NY); National Institute of Corrections Academy (Longmont,
Internet location: http://www.nicic.org/pubs/2001/dsj-2001.pdf CO); National Institute of Corrections. Jails Division (Longmont CO); U.S.
Dept. of Justice. Office of Justice Programs, Corrections Program Office
Kimme and Associates. Jail Design Guide: A Resource for Small and (Washington, DC); U.S. Dept. of Justice. Office of Juvenile Justice and
Medium-sized Jails. Kimme and Associates (Champaign, IL); National Delinquency Prevention (Washington, DC). Sponsored by Nat i o n a l
Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC). Grant no. NIC-94J04GHZ8. Institute of Corrections (Washington DC). 2000. ca. 500p.
1998. 372 p. Information regarding the planning of new institutions (PONI), in
This guide is a source of information for jail facilities up to 200 beds in particular juvenile detention and corrections facilities on tribal lands is
size. Intended to help jurisdictions create better and more effective provided. Sections include: historical overview and evolution of juve-
jails, the guide provides information essential for successful design and nile detention and corrections in general and specific to Tribes; plan-
operations. Sections cover pre-design planning and major design con- ning in the 21st Century; mission and vision statements; facility devel-
siderations (i.e. classification, criminal justice interface). Information is opment process (FDP); planning team role clarification; direct supervi-
also provided on each functional component (e.g., master control, sion; using data for facility planning; issues in new facility staffing;
intake-release, general and special housing), special considerations (i.e. operational programming; architectural programming; engaging the
single vs. multiple occupancy, conversions, and costs), and making a public; taking control of the project; site evaluation; and transition and
building work. NIC Accession No. 015061. activation. NIC accession no. 016222.

Kimme, Dennis A. Nature of Small Jails: Report and Analysis. U.S. National Institute of Corrections. Jail Design Review. Jails Division
Government Printing Office (Washington, DC). Kimme Planning and (Longmont, CO). 1997.ca.400 p.
Architecture (Champaign, IL); National Institute of Corrections This text is from an NIC class frequently taught to representatives from
(Washington, DC). Sponsored by National Institute of Corrections jurisdictions that are planning a new jail. Participants in this 36-hour
(Washington, DC). Grant No. NIC-FO-0. 1985. seminar learn about the schematic design, design development, and
In 1985, a survey was conducted on 255 small jails (50 beds or less) that construction document phases of the facility development process. The
had been opened since 1974 throughout the Untied States. The purpose document explains how to evaluate the success with wh i ch the
of the survey was to discover how well the jails were working in rela- schematic design translates the functional program; and how to assess

10 A D ULT CO RRE CTI O N A L FACIL IT Y D E S I G N RE S O URCE S N ATIVE AM E RI CA N A ND A LAS KA N TE CHNI CA L AS S I STA N CE P ROJE CT (N AATA P ) 11
how well the design will support intended operations, programs and Wilkinson, Reginald A. and Michelle Gailium. “Beyond Telemedicine:
services. NIC accession no. 014073. Ohio Expands its Use of Videoconferencing Technologies.” Corrections
Today, April , 1998 Issue. 5 p.
National Institute of Corrections. Podular, Direct Supervision Jails: Article discusses how telemedicine impacts costs and security. By not
Information Pa cket. U.S. Dept of Justice. National Institute of transporting dangerous inmates to outside medical facilities, and
Corrections. Jail Division. 1993. 71 p. instead using telemedicine, inmates know they are getting better care
This is a collection of articles providing basic information on the prin- and access to specialists. Furthermore, inmates like the fact that they do
cipals of podular, direct supervision jails, and the experiences of local not have to go through the pains and embarrassment of being hand-
jurisdictions in implementing direct supervision. Internet location: cuffed and transported in public. Ava i l able from The American
http://www.nicic.org/pubs/jails.htm. Correctional Association, 4380 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706.

Parrish, David M. “The Evolution of Direct Supervision in the Design Witke, Leonard R., AIA, ed. Planning and Design Guide for Secure Adult
and Operation of Jails,” Corrections Today, October 2000. American and Juvenile Facilities. American Correctional Association. 1999.
Correctional Association. A comprehensive account of planning and design issues. This book dis-
A rt i cle argues that properly designed direct supervision dormitories can cusses a variety of options and considerations regarding the design and
meet political constraints and offer better work env i ronments for staff. construction of adult and juvenile correctional facilities, ranging from
In addition, they are safer, more secure and often the most logical, prac- housing and service facilities to security features.
tical solution. Provides a brief h i s t o ryof d i rect supervision, lists its prin-
ciples and comments on the future of its implementation in jail design.

Ricci, Kenneth. Jail Facility Site Evaluation and Selection. Sponsored by

the National Institute of Corrections. Jails Division (Longmont, CO).
1996. 28 p.
Issues relating to site selection with significant tips on site factors such
as traffic flow, distance to courthouse, water usage in detention settings,
expansion capability, proximity to population centers and medical assis-
tance and utility availability. The document lays out a process of estab-
lishing site criteria, preliminary evaluations, site selection, and site
master planning. Common site criteria that are addressed include pub-
lic fears and the demands of security, economy and functionality.
Internet location: http://www.nicic.org/pubs/1996/012888.pdf

Roberts, John W. Reform and Retribution: an Illustrated History of

American Prisons. American Corrections Association. 1997.
This book details the history of reform in American prison systems
from their inception to the present. With a multitude of photographs
and captivating text, the book presents a format that is easy to follow,
enlightening and entertaining. The author succeeds in highlighting
the different forces that have shaped the structure of reform systems
over time.

12 A D ULT CO RRE CTI O N A L FACIL IT Y D E S I G N RE S O URCE S N ATIVE AM E RI CA N A ND A LAS KA N TE CHNI CA L AS S I STA N CE P ROJE CT (N AATA P ) 13
 ALSO AVAILABLE:

Project Guide: Adult Correctional Facility Design Resources

Project Guide: Alternatives to Incarceration of Offenders
Project Guide: Assessment of Project Status
& Technical Assistance Needs
Project Guide: Best Practices - In-Custody Programs
for Juveniles and Adults
Project Guide: Design Review
Project Guide: Existing Facility Evaluations
Project Guide: Objective Classification Analysis
Project Guide: Population Profiles, Population Projections
and Bed Needs Projections
Project Guide: Selecting an Architect-Developing
RFQs and RFPs
Project Guide: Site Selection
Project Guide: The NEPA Land Use Process for Proposed
Development of Correctional Facilities in Indian Country
Project Guide: Tribal Justice System Assessment