The origins of the podular, direct-supervision concept by the Federal Bureau of Prisons' metropolitan correctional centers is discussed; and the role of inmate classification in such facilities is examined with respect to inmate and staff safety and security, equity and fairness in decisionmaking, jail management, and correctional planning. The standards, policies and procedures, and training programs developed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for tribal jails are delineated. The process used to develop jail standards and accompanying legislation in Montana is discussed. The advantages of jail health care accreditation by the National Commission on Correctional Health care are outlined, and the accreditation process, from application through site survey and review, is described. Approaches to dealing with jail overcrowding are presented in two articles: an interagency cooperative effort focusing on speedy processing of cases, early release, and new jail construction in Los Angeles County; and the use of alternative housing, early release, and house arrest in Tennessee. Special inmate gardening and vocational training and education programs are described, and innovations in jail funding, design, inmate programming, and staff training in Missouri are presented. Technical assistance and other services offered by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Jail Center are discussed; and findings of an NIC study to develop building and equipment standards are presented. An Iowa court decision on the removal of juveniles from adult jails and lockups, as mandated by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, also is included. Article photographs, figures, and footnotes.