The task of designing an integrated, safe correctional facility can appear simple from the exterior. The design of adult corrections centres, hold-ups, lock-ups, jails, annexes, etc., can be a challenge for both designers and the clients who have to detain people accused or sentenced.
Wold Architects and Engineers was one of a few select firms chosen by the Minnesota Department of Corrections to design these complex and technologically challenging, process-driven, and highly sophisticated facilities. Not only has this been done in Minnesota but in other states in the Midwest, including Illinois, Colorado, and Tennessee.
To ensure that your correctional building is up to code, we recommend including the state corrections department’s guidelines and requirements in your design. The industry makes a mistake that we are all too familiar with: spaces being designed without the consideration of and collaboration among the client, the design firm, and the State’s Department of Corrections (or other licensing agencies). The absence of this collaborative effort can lead to potential problems that could increase operating costs, lower the number of beds or even reduce licensing in some cases.
In order to achieve the best results, we believe that it is crucial to collaborate with firms which are knowledgeable about each state’s construction and correctional standards. With years of expertise and familiarity it has become second nature to design and plan facilities to comply with the standards. When seeking approval to make a design change, having a good relationship with the licensing agency or your design company can help. The design team can dedicate more time in order to innovate and lower costs. They will also make the facility safer and reduce recidivism.
Experience is key when designing Correctional Facilities
What are some of the possible risks associated with designing a corrections center without knowing and understanding the laws, regulations, and standards in your state? Unfortunately, our analysis of the projects that were developed by companies that didn’t understand or adhere to design standards has revealed design and build issues that hindered Correctional Facilities from performing as required by Sheriff’s offices. Jails that have insufficient space to hold inmates, bad sightlines, didn’t comply with the standards of design in some areas, or higher staffing expenses due an ineffective layout are all examples. It has even happened that facilities are downgraded below their licensing level expected due to design issues.
Facilities that are not up to size and square foot standards is one issue. It is important to know the dimensions and space of each cell and dayroom. Also, it’s necessary to consider programs and service offerings, as well. It must adhere to specific criteria. In the event that the design fails to meet the specified criteria, these spaces may not be used as intended by the facility, resulting in reduced capacities or vacant cells. In order to ensure that inmates can see clearly from the officer station of a central surveillance location, all cell spaces must have clear sightlines. The failure to develop the cells block properly could lead to increased costs for staff or raise safety concerns. Inmates, staff and the cell block layout should allow safe and efficient movement.
Creating solutions to reduce the amount of time that inmates need to leave their homes is an important factor in the design of jails. This can range from adding meeting space to the housing area that is accessible for educational, religious or counseling programs. Simple ideas can include adding janitorial or nourishment stations within the housing unit to save the inmates the hassle of having to leave. Some firms less skilled in the design of these complex facilities might overlook the simple, yet important, elements. They may force the jail to spend more on staffing.
If a building fails to obtain the required licensing because it does not meet standards for correctional facilities or because it hasn’t sought a variance specific to a particular project, this can lead them down. In some cases, the downgrading of a building could mean that it goes from being a full-time holding facility (365 days) to only 90 days. By reducing the maximum time a jail can hold an individual, it is necessary for the Sheriff’s office to lease bed space elsewhere. This may require inmates to be transferred from the remote facility where they are being held, back to court facilities in the area of the offense. All of these factors can lead to increased operational costs, such as bed rentals, vehicles, and staff.