Costs can be reduced by building larger institutions composed of small segregated units that share expensive core facilities. Architects and planners can create designs that emphasize cost efficiency without compromising strong security or the humane treatment of inmates. This includes designs that use the fewest 24-hour sentry posts, thus reducing staff costs. Costs can also be cut by combining State prisons with regional jails or by uniting several county jails into one regional jail. The use of more electronic security devices and creative construction instead of fortress-like construction can reduce costs as well. Although state-of-the-art electronic security has high initial costs, it pays for itself in labor savings. Additionally, facility design should feature less expensive, dormitory-type living quarters. Military-type barracks become an even more attractive cost alternative when they are constructed with precast panels built by inmates.