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Impact of the National Institute of Corrections' Planning of New Institutions (PONI) Program

NCJ Number
127754
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (November/December 1990) Pages: 32-36
Author(s)
W E Osterhoff; A Permaloff; C Grafton; M J Gilbert; N R Cox Jr
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The purpose of the Planning of New Institutions (PONI) Program, initiated by the National Institute of Corrections, is to help local jurisdictions meet their detention facility needs through improved planning, programming, design, construction or renovation, and operations.
Abstract
The PONI Program consists of three phases. During the first phase, a 1-day community meeting is held in which representatives from local government, the criminal justice system, and the community discuss detention-related problems, issues, and alternative solutions and then develop an action plan. The second phase involves an offsite training seminar to provide participants with a broad working knowledge of jail planning and facility development. The third phase provides technical assistance consulting services and a review of design documents for jurisdictions seeking additional assistance. An evaluation was conducted to compare jurisdictions that have participated in the PONI Program since 1980 with jurisdictions that have recently completed a new jail, but are not involved in PONI. It was found that jurisdictions participating in PONI had jails with an average design capacity of 261 beds and an average daily population of 310. The PONI Program strongly influenced facility planning and current operations. Participation in PONI resulted in the use of more inmate programs and services in new or planned facilities than in existing jails. In contrast, non-PONI jurisdictions indicated a substantial use of inmate programs and services in both new and old facilities. 5 figures