U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Successful Quest for a New Facility

NCJ Number
120721
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 56 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 132-134
Author(s)
W Goolsby
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement administrators should strive to understand the procedural aspects involved in working with an architect in the construction of a jail or law enforcement facility, because the architect is one of the main factors affecting the success or failure of the project.
Abstract
Several methods are available for choosing an architect, although legislation may restrict the method of selection used by a governmental agency. The main methods include direct selection based on the architect's past experience and reputation; comparative interviews of firms that submit proposals; the design/build approach, in which the same company or team performs the design and construction of the project; and a design competition. After the architect is chosen the design process begins. It includes the following four phases: program development, the preparation of a schematic design, design development, and construction document preparation. The project's philosophy and the needs of the law enforcement administrator are identified during the initial phase or program development. The administrator is also involved during the other phases and should be aware of the responsibilities involved.