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Audits of Podular Direct-Supervision Jails

NCJ Number
165475
Author(s)
J Farbstein; D Liebert; H Sigurdson
Date Published
1996
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings from audits of three direct-supervision jails: Dakota County Jail in Hastings, Minn.; Hillsborough County Orient Road Jail in Tampa, Fla.; and Norfolk County Sheriff's Correctional Center in Dedham, Mass.
Abstract
The standard methodology used for the audit at each site involved the completion of questionnaires by large samples of staff and inmates. Interviews were also conducted with a variety of jail users. The report emphasizes the establishment of common themes, patterns, issues, and problems, as well as on assessing changes in the world of direct supervision compared to the findings of earlier audits. The audit findings focus on safety and security, effective supervision, justice and fairness, supervision of officers by sergeants, classification system, staffing and training, meeting inmate needs, design and environment, desired outcomes of time in jail, and comparison with other jails. Compared to the first set of audits, current audits are not as positive about facility safety, although the current jails have very good safety records. Facilities in the earlier studies had appropriate levels of staff and emphasized training. Formal training for direct-supervision jails diminished after the initial move, perhaps as a result of having fewer resources available. Although staff continue to report that they feel reasonably comfortable in all parts of the living unit, they also continue to stay relatively close to their workstations. Staff morale is lower in the current audits because of higher populations; more noise; more assaultive behavior; fewer management tools; and, at one jail, extensive use of overtime. Inmate grievances appear to be handled less well in the current audits. Some positives have remained consistent over the years: inmates still know and generally follow the rules; the jail environment is still excellent in terms of both design and upkeep; and inmate needs are generally well met, and the variety of programs has expanded over the years. Appended audit instruments, 3 figures, and 17 tables