It describes the step-by-step construction of such a jail in San Francisco County, highlighting such features as individual rooms for inmates, smaller living units, direct supervision, and restricted movement within the facility. The history of jail construction also is reviewed, and construction trends in nine California counties are outlined. The effect of litigation and the role of local, State, and Federal courts on jail construction is explored, and the effects of political climate on the types of jails considered in expansion plans. Funding sources, construction costs, and alternatives to new construction also are discussed. An analysis of future trends suggests that the future of new generation jails in California is bright: by 1990 six will be operational. These numbers will continue to grow rapidly as their design elements prove to be safer for staff and inmates, cost effective for the county, and a boost to staff professionalism. Appendixes, 7 endnotes, and 22 references.