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Design of the New Anchorage Jail

NCJ Number
194318
Journal
Alaska Justice Forum Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 4-6
Author(s)
Steve Fishback
Date Published
2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In this article, the architect of the new anchorage jail scheduled to open in 2002 addresses questions regarding his rationale for the architectural design of the prison.
Abstract
The new anchorage jail scheduled to open in 2002 is expected to cost $56,000,000 to build and will house 396 prisoners. The direct supervision model was utilized to create an environment that would maximize visibility of prisoners at all times and make the jail safer for prisoners and staff. This direct supervision model allows for more interaction among prisoners and staff, more time out of the cell for prisoners, and fosters a mentoring environment between staff and prisoners. The jail is designed to accommodate both misdemeanor offenders and violent crime offenders therefore security will range from maximum to minimum. There is 181,000 square feet of usable space covering an area of 84,450 square feet. The new prison incorporated a magistrates' court and pre-booking lobby in an effort to consolidate staff and resources. The prison offers a variety of cell types however most are designed for two inmates. Classrooms and libraries were included to encourage and facilitate education and GED preparation. Several exercise rooms were also included in the design. The jail allows visitor access through non-secure passages to individual housing pods were non-contact visits can occur with family, friends, and professionals. The chosen model of visitor access is based on that of prisons in Oregon and Washington. The outward appearance of the jail is utilitarian and designed to reflect public sentiment about jails.