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Calaboose to Modules: Jails in Spokane, Washington

NCJ Number
166703
Journal
American Jails Volume: 10 Issue: 5 Dated: (November/December 1996) Pages: 57-63
Author(s)
J M Moynahan
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article traces the history of jail construction and design, as well as use in Spokane, Wash., from the first jail (called a "calaboose") built in c. 1881 to the current jail, which was dedicated on June 14, 1986.
Abstract
The first Spokane jail was constructed of wood, with small barred windows. In the 1880's city population continued to increase, reaching almost 20,000 by 1890. The old calaboose was soon too small to accommodate residents; and a new facility, also constructed of wood, was planned when the city hall was being designed in 1888. Continued city population growth and numerous escapes from this jail necessitated the building of a larger and stronger facility (1894). The new structure was a three-story building that housed the fire department and police department as well as the jail. In 1912 construction began on a fourth city jail, which would be in the same building as other city offices. The building was completed in 1913 and was constructed of brick with cast stone trim. This building was used for the next 47 years, until 1960, when the jail was moved to an existing eight- story building constructed 50 years earlier with block and brick. It was remodeled to provide adequate facilities for the jail. By the early 1980's research and planning were under way to build a "new generation" jail to house city and county prisoners; construction began in December 1983, and the building was dedicated in 1986. The 483-bed facility has 10 self-contained housing modules of approximately 46 beds each. Each general housing module is managed by a corrections officer in a direct- supervision mode. A 21-item bibliography and 20 notes