One article notes that jail facilities present a problem of staggering proportions, yet little information is available to help local officials in their preparation of a transition strategy regarding new jail constructions or major renovations. The author expresses his concern about the tremendous lack of adequate correctional officer training in jails and states that training on issues related to jail management should ideally exist on several levels, with programs that involve judges, city attorneys, and appropriate State legislators in addition to sheriffs, jail managers, and supervisory personnel. He describes several types of National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Jail Center training programs and notes that court action has been and will continue to be a catalyst for change regarding the training of jail personnel, which is often affected by shortages in the budget or manpower and by managerial perceptions of need. Another article outlines an NIC-sponsored seminar on how to open new jail facilities. It recommends a task force approach which breaks activities down into manageable units without significantly compromising the key elements of authority and responsibility. A list of questions to be addressed by task forces should aid the administrator's preparation for the myriad aspects involved in a transition. Endnotes are included. (Author abstract modified)