Chapter 3 - Jail: Exam #1

Who is housed in local (county) jails?

Pending arraignment, awaiting trial, conviction, sentencing, probation, parole, bail bond violators, juveniles, pending transfer to juvenile authorities, mentally ill offenders, pending transfer to mental health facilities, military for contempt, military for protective custody, military as court witnesses, convicts awaiting transfer to state or federal facilities, inmates’ assignment to work release, and inmates with sentences for misdemeanor crimes

Regional Jails

Jails that are funded and operated by multiple small counties to maximize resources

Who responsible for management of regional jails?

A sheriff or other county official

Where and when was the first jail?

England, 1166

What were early American jails modeled after?

English style jails

What did early jails used to do?

Detain offenders awaiting trial

What are the characteristics of early jails?

Vagrants, poor, mentally ill, deplorable conditions (filthy, violent, inadequate food and medical care)

Who set the Penitentiary Act of 1779?

John Howard and the Sheriff of Bedfordshire, England

What are the four requirements of the penitentiary act of 1779?

Secure and sanitary structures, regular inspections, termination of fees charged to inmates, and although inmates confined separately in cells at night, they were allowed to work in common rooms during the day

Where and when was the first prisoner held in the U.S?

Walnut Street Jail, 1790

What is the average length of stay in today’s jails?

15 - 20 days

What are some jail staff roles?

Admission, booking, identification, inventory property, identification or immediate medical/mental health issues, housing unit assignment

What are some jail staff functions?

Deputies assigned to housing units, transportation of inmates between jail and court, clerical and maintenance, administrative, and professional and technical

What is the ratio of prisoners to officers?

75:1

What are the components of the jail classification evaluation?

Prior criminal history, age, and history of violence

What are some of the components of inmate classification?

Gang affiliation, separation orders, suicide risk, security level, long term medical issues, escape risk, and programming needs

Characteristic of First-Generation Jails

Linear design, cells are aligned in long straight rows, walkway in the front for corrections officer to walk by and observe, very secure, no privacy, and no dayrooms or rec areas

Characteristic of Podular Design

Included a common area in the middle of the cell block for inmate recreation, may include tables, chairs, television, better inmate to staff ratio, and gives the officers a better view and reduces idleness and tension

Characteristics of Second-Generation Jails

Corrections officers in a secure control room which overlooks cells and dayroom and podular designs with remote supervision with electronic controls

What are the disadvantages of second-generation jails?

Officers have limited contact with inmates

Characteristics of Third Generation Jails

Correctional officers are located in the housing unit in direct contact with the inmates