Forty-four percent of small jails constructed in the United States since 1974 have experienced some crowding problems. Ways in which small jails are adversely affected by crowding are the obstruction of inmate classification, the difficulty of recruiting staff for expanded services, problems caused by poor facility design, inadequate inmate supervision, lack of resources for support services, and inadequate staff training. Other complications from small-jail crowding are the difficulty of managing inmate visitation and potential civil liability. The potential for jail crowding can be addressed in the design phase of a new facility. The design should accommodate both the number and types of inmates projected over the next 20 years. Jail planners should communicate with the judiciary to determine the impact of judicial sentencing and detention philosophy on the jail population. Staff recruitment and training can also determine the effectiveness with which small jails cope with crowding. One way small communities can cope with the fiscal aspects of a growing jail population is to participate in the planning and operation of a large multijurisdictional jail. This article outlines three options for such an arrangement. 2 references.