A couple of decades ago, the paradigm shift in corrections included implementing a direct supervision model at facilities. Renovations and new construction projects looked at how to design facilities to support correctional officers monitoring inmate behavior from within the housing unit instead of outside of the housing unit. During this time, rising population projections were analyzed to determine which inmates were best suited for a direct supervision environment.
Now, direct supervision is the norm. The new paradigm shift involves correctional facilities with a flat or moderate incline in population but with a nuanced population. The question is no longer how much will our population grow and how many will benefit from direct supervision. The current question is how facilities account for minimal increase in population yet significant changes in the type of inmates being housed. Renovations and new construction projects are addressing how to handle an influx of medical and mental health needs as well as re-entry best practices at a local level. All aimed at helping to reduce recidivism.
These issues will be explored in the upcoming AAJ panel presentation: “Master Planning for NO Growth: the New Paradigm for Corrections”. The presentation, moderated by Laura Maiello of CGL RicciGreene, will present the thought process and attributes of master plans in Dutchess County, NY and Travis County, TX. Each master plan accounts for minimal growth while focusing on ways to address the program and treatment needs – either medical/mental health or re-entry populations – to improve their facilities, the justice system and the community at large.
I'm extremely interested to attend this presentation on Thursday, November 19th at 8:00am and learn more about how these counties have developed master plans that focuses more on the needs and services for their current population rather than purely about expanding the number of beds in their facilities.