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Selecting Prison Sites: State Processes, Site-Selection Criteria, and Local Initiatives

NCJ Number
141191
Author(s)
D N Ammons; R W Campbell; S L Somoza
Date Published
1992
Length
86 pages
Annotation
The intent of this monograph is to present information on prison site-selection practices and procedures throughout the United States, the site-selection criteria employed by various States, and available evidence about local efforts to impose conditions on the community's acceptance of State correctional facilities.
Abstract
To gather information, published materials were reviewed and inquiries were made in late 1990 and early 1991 to departments of corrections in all 50 States. Input was received from 29 States; California, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Wyoming were selected for more detailed mail or interview review with officials in 11 communities. Available evidence suggests that many traditional concerns about adverse impacts on property values and public safety have been overstated. Projected economic benefits with new jobs and the large operating budget of a correctional facility offer considerable appeal, particularly to those communities experiencing economic distress. Communities that recently sought and received correctional facilities report continuing satisfaction with their decision. 4 footnotes, 14 figures, 77 references, and 4 appendixes