Each handbook includes suggested organization, staff, and division of responsibilities to facilitate the planning process. The first step is to become acquainted with major issues: corrections standards, trends in jail operations and facility design, current building and operating costs, etc. Participatory planning involves identifying problems, developing a statement of goals and action plans, and selecting consultants. The next step is collecting data to assess facility needs, based on an examination of jail population trends and profiles and of criminal justice policies and alternatives. Planners should then be able to decide whether they need to build or renovate. If so, they must determine the feasibility of various options (based on an evaluation of county fiscal and capital resources). The final handbook outlines design and construction activities and responsibilities. Appendixes include sample data collection and analysis forms and other planning materials.