Blog

A corrections advisor and architect has been asked to assist a state in designing a new prison, as the current facilities are presently suffering from overcrowding and are falling into disrepair. Most are arranged in the traditional correctional layout: long horizontal corridors with bars in front of each cell. Problems with this design include poor sightlines for supervising officers, inability to monitor inmates effectively, and the potential for unwitnessed abuse. Legislators and corrections administrators want to address these shortcomings in the new facility by building off of currently popular ideas regarding the design of county jails, namely direct supervision jails and community jails.

Discussion Questions

1. Which of the three types of facility layouts, if any, discussed in this chapter should be chosen for this prison? Would it depend on the type of institution (minimum vs. medium vs. maximum security prison)? How will the type of jurisdiction that the facility will serve influence your decision?

2. Are some types of layouts better suited to certain types of offenders? Which are those, and why are they uniquely beneficial for COs in those situations?

3. What is it about community jails that could benefit those incarcerated in prisons? How should this be incorporated into prison design?

1. The direct supervision and community jail layouts could be appropriate for this prison, as they address the shortcomings of the traditional correctional layout. The choice of layout may depend on the type of institution and the security level of the prison. For example, a direct supervision layout may be more suitable for a minimum-security prison, while a community jail layout may be more appropriate for a medium or maximum-security prison. The type of jurisdiction that the facility will serve may also influence the decision, as the needs and goals of different jurisdictions may vary. Ultimately, the choice of layout should be based on the specific needs of the prison and its intended population.
2. Certain types of layouts may be better suited to certain types of offenders. For example, the direct supervision layout may be better for low-risk offenders, as it allows for more interaction with officers and promotes a sense of community among inmates. On the other hand, a podular design may be more suitable for high-risk offenders, as it allows for greater control over inmate movement and minimizes opportunities for conflict. Ultimately, the choice of layout should be based on the specific needs of the prison population.
3. Community jails are designed to be more open and inclusive, with a focus on rehabilitation and reentry. They may benefit those incarcerated in prisons by promoting a sense of community and providing more opportunities for education and vocational training. This could be incorporated into prison design by creating spaces that promote social interaction and community building, such as common areas and shared facilities. Additionally, providing more opportunities for education and vocational training can help prepare inmates for reentry into society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.