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	FAQsJails Resources
At the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), we're committed to supporting those who work in jails with the latest resources and information. That's why we've created a page dedicated to Jails professionals, designed to provide you with insightful information and support you need to excel in your role.

This page is a comprehensive resource hub, filled with research articles, best practices, and training materials to help you tackle the unique challenges of working in a jail environment. We understand that your role can be tough, so we've put together a wide range of resources to help you address issues like managing inmates with mental and behavioral health issues, developing effective staff training programs, and conducting security audits.

In addition to our wealth of resources, we also offer a range of training opportunities specifically for jail professionals. Our training programs are developed with leading experts in the field and are designed to help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends, best practices, and research in the corrections field.

At NIC, we're committed to providing jail professionals with the support and resources they need to succeed. We encourage you to explore the resources below, take advantage of our training, and let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you excel in your role. We're always here to help and support you!


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                   How can Technical Assistance help my Jail?

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) offers technical assistance to jails and correctional organizations to help them address complex issues and achieve their goals. Our Correctional Program Specialists can provide customized support to address your organization's specific needs, whether it's developing effective staff training programs, improving inmate outcomes, or implementing evidence-based practices. Our technical assistance services are tailored to your unique circumstances, and our team will work collaboratively with you to help you achieve your desired outcomes.

With NIC's technical assistance, you'll have the support you need to overcome challenges and build a stronger, more effective organization.

What is an example of Technical Assistance for Jails?

in 2016, NIC partnered with the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The OPSO faced challenges related to staffing shortages, inmate classification, and limited mental health services. NIC provided technical assistance by conducting a comprehensive review of the jail's policies and practices, facilitating a staff training program on effective communication with inmates, and providing ongoing support for the development and implementation of new programs.

As a result of the technical assistance provided by NIC, the OPSO was able to improve staffing levels, enhance inmate classification practices, and expand mental health services.

Apply for NIC Technical Assistance

Online LMS Training and eCourses
          Inmate Suicide Prevention
      
            This course will provide you with an overview of the problem of inmate suicide and the ways you can help prevent inmate suicides in correctional facilities.
          Assigning Inmates to Housing
      
            The purpose of this course is to provide jail administrators and jail personnel with sufficient knowledge to develop housing plans that help manage inmate behavior.
          Objective Jail Classification: Assessing Inmate Risk and Needs
      
            In this course, you will learn about objective classification, one of the most important management tools available to jail administrators.
          Jail Data Analysis
      
            While this course focuses on data analysis in jails, it gives a basic overview of statistics for any corrections professional. During this course, you will gain general familiarization with types of statistics and how to use them. In addition, you will learn how to explore data analysis by working through a case study.
          Jail Data Collection
      
            This course will show how you can improve data collection and analysis at your correctional institution.
          Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of Jail Administrators
      
            This course will provide new jail administrators, sheriffs, and prospective jail administrators an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a jail administrator.

Webinars & Trainings
          Price
              $0.00

No News Is NOT Good News: The Role of PIOs in Jails [Internet Broadcast]
      
            Public Information Officers (PIOs) play a vital role in the local jail. The public’s perception and/or misperception of jail operations

  Amount in Stock
              0

Highlighted Publications
          BIA Detention Facility Staffing Analysis Workshop
          Staffing Analysis Workbook for Jails (2nd Ed)
          Sustaining Systems Change: Findings from a Transition from Jail to Community Initiative Stakeholder Survey
          Jail Design Guide: A Resource for Small and Medium-Sized Jails
          Jail Design Guide
          Price
              $0.00

Objective Jail Classification Systems: A Guide for Jail Administrators

  Amount in Stock
              0

Related Topics
          ACA Mapping Initiative



The Affordable Care Act (ACA) enables low-income individuals in the criminal justice system to obtain insurance coverage. NIC's ACA Mapping Initiative maps the decision points across the corrections system to identify opportunities for enhanced enrollment and integration of health care coverage.
          Children of Incarcerated Parents



Children with incarcerated parents can experience trauma and long-lasting negative effects, such as behavior problems, poor academic outcomes, and severed relationships with their parents. This page provides resources for facilities who want to provide accommodations and resources to families in their care.
          Cognitive Behavioral Therapy



Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces recidivism in both juveniles and adults. The therapy assumes that most people can become conscious of their own thoughts and behaviors and then make positive changes to them. This page gives CBT resources for correctional facilities.
          Correctional Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative (CAHTI)



NIC has launched the Correctional Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative to combat human trafficking in correctional operations. CAHTI is focusing on the victims of sex trafficking. The program aims to identify and rescue victims, provide necessary services and support, and generate evidence against their traffickers.
          Correctional Healthcare



The need for effective and efficient correctional healthcare services has risen with increasing incarceration rates, including mental health, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and elderly care. The this page has resources on correctional healthcare best practices.
          Correctional Industries Initiative



Incarceration may improve employment prospects if it has a rehabilitative effect or includes education and training. Correctional Industries provides real-life work experience, and this initiative helps identify organizational priorities, establish objectives, and provide specialized services and programming to support a return to the labor force.
          Correctional Policy and Procedure



Well-written policies and procedures inform and govern staff behavior, set clear expectations, and support professional behavior. Policies need to have defensible rationale, such as "legitimate correctional outcomes," prevailing standards, or specific case law, and must be officially approved and issued.
          Correctional Responses to Domestic Violence Victims



Domestic violence involves physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse with the intent to control a partner. The NIC highlights programs to address offender accountability and victim safety in domestic violence cases.
          Corrections Stress



Corrections Stress refers to the emotional challenges faced by correctional personnel and the potentially cumulative negative side effects of what staff experience through daily interactions with justice-involved individuals and immersion in uniquely challenging workplace conditions.For additional information, trainings and materials on this NIC Project go to: Health and Wellness
          Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility



Employers must create a work environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) to attract the best employees. The DEIA supports individual and organizational growth by providing resources to examine bias, lead diverse teams, support inclusive teams, and create DEIA programs.
          Employer-Driven Employment Model for Justice-Involved Individuals



The Employer-Driven Employment Toolkit provides effective practices, strategies, tips, and resources for implementing the four key processes. The toolkit emphasizes building relationships between corrections agencies and businesses to ensure successful attachment to the labor market.
          Evidence-Based Decision Making



EBDM is a strategic and deliberate method of applying empirical knowledge and research-supported principles to justice system decisions made at the case, agency, and system level. Public safety outcomes will be improved when stakeholders engage in partnerships, use research, and create better outcomes.
          Evidence-based Practices (EBP)



Evidence-based practice (EBP) uses current research and data to guide policy and practice decisions. It involves critical review of research literature, quality assurance, and evaluation. EBP focuses on measurable outcomes and practical realities, making it appropriate for outcome-focused human service disciplines.
          Evidenced-Based Workforce Training Series



The **Evidenced-Based Workforce Training Series** - based on evidence-based practices - shows staff how to combine cognitive behavioral interventions with motivational interviewing techniques to address offenders’ gainful attachment to the workforce and/or job loss. This “hand in glove” approach supports the honest exploration of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs affecting offender
          Gangs (Security Threat Groups)



Gangs are an ongoing national problem that requires effective management by the public safety community. The research discussed covers various topics related to gangs, including slang used by prison gangs and intervention for gang-affiliated inmates.
          Gender-Responsive Policy & Practice Assessment (GRPPA)



The GRPPA is a process designed to guide assessment of gender-responsiveness in policies and programs for women in correctional facilities. It includes two sections, and the assessment process requires collaboration among corrections professionals.
          Green Corrections



The Green Corrections Initiative promotes environmentally sustainable practices and green-collar job readiness training programs in correctional facilities. The initiative provides technical assistance to develop strategic plans for implementing GC programs and creates a community to promote green practices throughout the country.
          Indian Country Jails



Indian Country relies on corrections as a cornerstone of its justice system, including tribal courts, probation, and law enforcement. Jails play a crucial role in public safety and reducing recidivism, and both tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are responsible for jail administration.
          Jail Administration



NIC offers training, technical assistance, and information on jail administration to help jail administrators effectively manage operations. Technical assistance is available to individual jails nationwide and state agencies that work to improve jail administration quality.
          Jail Standards and Inspections



NIC provides technical assistance to jail standards and inspection agencies in developing and revising jail standards, related inspection systems, and training to jails. They also help jail-related organizations in developing a jail standards and inspection system.
          Justice-Involved Veterans



This page addresses the unique needs of justice-involved veterans, who suffer from physical and "invisible" wounds of war. NIC first developed "Veterans Treatment Courts: A Second Chance for Vets Who Have Lost Their Way," and established the Justice Involved Veterans Network to improve outcomes for veterans.
          Justice-Involved Women



Correctional administrators need to understand the different paths and levels of risk of women offenders to improve outcomes for them. Technical assistance is available to local jurisdictions to examine and improve their responses to this population.
          Juvenile Justice



Juvenile detention populations have significantly reduced due to reforms in the industry. The reforms focus on improved screening, community-based alternatives, and expansion of programs for at-risk youth, with only the most dangerous youth in custody.
          Leadership Development In Corrections



NIC believes in developing effective correctional leaders through competency-based training aligned with agency needs. It offers Correctional Leadership Competencies for the 21st Century, which links skills, knowledge, and attributes of effective leaders to specific behaviors.
          LGBTI Persons in Custody and Under Supervision



This webpage provides information on the safe and respectful management of LGBTQI persons in custody, using best practices and considering legal perspectives. Agencies can apply for limited technical assistance to improve their response to managing LGBTQI persons.
          Motivational Interviewing



Motivational Interviewing (M.I.) is a counseling method that helps people explore and resolve ambivalence by accessing internal motivation for change. It draws from client-centered counseling, emphasizing empathy, optimism, and respect for client choice. M.I. also uses self-perception theory to encourage change by having clients talk about the benefits of change.
          New Jail Planning



NIC provides training and technical assistance to local jurisdictions facing challenges when deciding to build a new jail, including planning, construction, and operation of the facility. Services address factors to consider, owner involvement, and designing, constructing, and occupying the new facility.
          Reentry/Transition



Reentry is the transition of offenders from prisons or jails back into the community. Over three-quarters of state offenders are re-arrested within five years of release, highlighting the importance of successful reintegration for improving public safety and policy.
          People with Mental Health Conditions in Corrections



This page provides links and resources to innovative ideas and best practices for managing and rehabilitating people with mental illnesses in corrections.
          PREA/Sexual Safety for the Incarcerated



PREA was enacted to address the issue of sexual abuse of people in custody. Its provisions include zero-tolerance standards, standards for detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment, collection and dissemination of information, and award of grant funds.
          Pretrial



Pretrial Services programs provide information for bail decisions and supervision to promote public safety. By identifying risk factors, judicial officers can balance the presumption of innocence while protecting the community.
          Restrictive Housing



This webpage provides information to correctional agencies regarding safe and respectful management of restrictive housing populations. The use of restrictive housing has varied over time due to factors such as prison overcrowding and an increase in violent and disruptive inmates.
          Individuals who commit sexual offenses



This collection of resources is intended to provide a broad overview of current research and trends in the management and treatment of sex offenders.
          Statistics



This web page provides lists of resources related to local, state, and federal statistics.
          Strategic Inmate Management (SIM)



Strategic Inmate Management (SIM) is a unified operational philosophy aimed at promoting safe and secure environments in jails and prisons. SIM integrates the principles and strategies of Direct Supervision and the elements of Inmate Behavior Management.
          Suicide in Corrections



The resources on this page will help give an overview of the problems surrounding correctional suicides and the ways one can implement strategies to turn around the alarming upward trajectory of suicide rates.
          Technology In Corrections



Technology presents both advantages and disadvantages to the corrections field, with professionals struggling to keep up with advances. This page covers various technologies such as biometrics, drones, and body cameras, to provide information on the biggest trends in technology for the corrections field.
          Transition and Workforce Development



This page provides links to research, case studies, and best practices, demonstrating the value of giving both currently and formerly incarcerated individuals opportunities for rehabilitation through employment. By providing these resources, NIC aims to support communities in creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces while improving public safety.
          Transition from Jail to Community (TJC)



There are over 3000 local jails in the United States that process approximately 12 million releases per year. With such a magnitude, focusing on offender reentry provides opportunity to influence public safety, but implementation of a successful reentry process for offenders is both multifaceted and complex.
          Wellness for Corrections and Supervision Professionals



This page highlights the need for maintaining safety and security while providing opportunities for staff to not become overwhelmed by both institutional and community settings. "Wellness" emphasizes the importance of taking personal well-being seriously and provides a list of topics and resources to help professionals in the corrections field find balance and stay motivated to perform at their best.

Frequently Asked Questions
          details    Do I need to have a law library in my jail?
      Created
              Fri, 07/24/2015 - 12:00 pm UTC
            **Question:**
I want to know if I need to have a law library in my jail. What kinds of issues should I consider? What information do I need?

**Answer:**
Like so many issues in corrections, the answer is: it depends. The point is not necessarily having a law library, but rather providing reasonable access to legal materials and the courts.

Nothing below is a recommendation or opinion from NIC. What is provided is information and resources so you can make an informed decision concerning how inmates at your facility can have access to legal materials and the courts - which can include a law library in the jail itself.

If there are prevailing state jail standards or relevant case law in your jurisdiction, you will need to meet those concerning access to legal materials and access to courts. Absent that, you might want to consider the American Correctional Association (ACA) Adult Local Detention Standards as well ACA's Core Jail standards as a basis for your policies. Here are the two relevant standards:

ACA standard 4-ALDF-6A-03 (Accreditation standards)

"Inmates have access to a law library if there is not adequate free legal assistance to assist them with criminal, civil, and administrative legal matters. Inmates have access to legal materials to facilitate the preparation of documents"

ACA Standard 1-Core-6A-03 (Core Jail Standards)

"Inmates have access to legal materials"

You will want to consider what the courts have said. Take a look at the following:

"Jails and the Constitution: An Overview"

NIC publication authored by William Collins

Text from page 68:

"Over the years the Supreme Court decided several access to the courts cases involving inmates. The most important came in 1977, when the Court said that prison administrators have the affirmative duty to provide inmates with assistance or resources to allow them to meaningfully exercise their right of access to the courts, Bounds v. Smith. Assistance could take the form of persons trained in the law (such as lawyers, paralegals, or law students), adequate law libraries, or some combination of these. A 1996 Supreme Court decision dealing with access to the courts reaffirmed the core principle in Bounds, i.e., that the institution has an affirmative duty to provide some form of assistance (libraries or persons trained in the law) sufficient to give inmates the capability of filing non-frivolous lawsuits challenging their sentence or the conditions of their confinement, Lewis v. Casey."

"The principle from Bounds (and now Lewis) has been extended to jails, although application of the principle may be slightly different in the jail context depending in part on how long inmates remain in the jail. The longer an inmate remains in a jail, the more the right of “access to the courts” places the same demands on the jail as it does on the prison"
Document ID: 022570

Here are actual case law summaries:

The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees state inmates the right to "adequate, effective, and meaningful" access to the courts. Bounds v. Smith, 430 U.S. 817, 822, 97 S.Ct. 1491, 1495, 52 L.Ed.2d 72 (1977); Green v. Johnson, 977 F.2d 1383, 1389 (10th Cir.1992). We impose "affirmative obligations" on the states to assure all inmates access to the courts and assistance in the preparation and filing of legal papers. Ramos v. Lamm, 639 F.2d 559, 583 (10th Cir.1980), cert. denied, 450 U.S. 1041, 101 S.Ct. 1759, 68 L.Ed.2d 239 (1981). The Supreme Court instructs that states may satisfy this duty "by providing prisoners with adequate law libraries or adequate assistance from persons trained in the law." Bounds, 430 U.S. at 828, 97 S.Ct. at 1498. Although this constitutional obligation does not require states to afford inmates unlimited access to a library, Twyman v. Crisp, 584 F.2d 352, 358 (10th Cir.1978), and there exists no rigid or static formula to assess whether a prison library's resources pass constitutional muster, Johnson v. Moore, 948 F.2d 517, 521 (9th Cir.1991), states must provide inmates with "a reasonably adequate opportunity" to present their legal claims.

In more understandable language:

"The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees state inmates the right to 'adequate, effective, and meaningful' access to the courts." Petrick v. Maynard, 11 F.3d 991, 994 (10th Cir.1993) (quoting Bounds v. Smith, 430 U.S. 817, 822 (1977)).

The guarantee of court access is satisfied "by providing prisoners with adequate law libraries or adequate assistance from persons trained in the law." Bounds, 430 U.S. at 828.

Related resources:
      
        Prisoners and Their Information Needs: Prison Libraries Overview: Sambo, Atanda S., Saliu A. Usman, and Nafisa Rabiu, 2...
              Jail Law Libraries: From North Carolina Criminal Law (Part one)
              Jail Law Libraries: From North Carolina Criminal Law (Part two)
              Americans for Effective Law Enforcement Monthly Law Journal: Access to Courts and Legal Information
              Local Government Insurance Trust: LGIT'S Commander's Log: Law Libraries
          details    Are there benefits to providing yoga classes in jail or prison?
      Created
              Wed, 07/17/2013 - 12:00 pm UTC
  ZenDeskID
              21733279

            
      
        Yoga in Correctional Settings: A Randomized Controlled Study: Kerekes, Nora, Cecilia Fielding, and Susanne Apelquist, 2...
              The development and evaluation of a mindfulness-based intervention for incarcerated young men (Thesis): Byrne, Sharon, ...
              A Systematic Review of Yoga Interventions in the Incarcerated Setting: Wimberly, Alexandra S., and Jia Xue, 2016
              Prison Meditation Movements and Mass Incarceration: Lyons, Thomas, and William Dustin Cantrell, 2015
              Outcomes of a Recreation Therapy Yoga Meditation Intervention on Prison Inmates' Spiritual Well-Being (Thesis): Pham, K...
              Participation in a 10-week course of yoga improves behavioral control and decreases psychological distress in a prison ...
              Can Yoga Help Mitigate the Military-to-Prison Pipeline?: The Give Back Yoga Foundation
          details    What is the appropriate temperature for jail/prison housing units?
      Created
              Fri, 04/19/2013 - 12:00 pm UTC
            Question:

We get periodic complaints from inmates about the temperature in their cells. Sometimes we do issue extra blankets but need to watch for hoarding. Is there an ideal temperature setting for institutional housing units?

Answer:

There are recommended ranges of temperature (often called comfort zones) which can vary by season. The problem is there is an objective component but also a subjective component (not everybody "feels" temperature or comfort the same). Since heating and cooling systems in institutions are complex, try to achieve a "happy medium" within the recommended ranges.

This issue is not as simple as temperature. Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity, activity levels, metabolic rate, clothing, season, etc. It gets really complex. To appreciate how complex calculating thermal comfort is, look at the factors needed for this Thermal Comfort Tool online calculator.

The American Correctional Association standards, which are voluntary unless you are undergoing accreditation with them, state:

"Temperature and humidity are mechanically raised or lowered to acceptable comfort levels." The previous version of that standard used to refer to "acceptable summer and winter comfort zones."

The general standard concerning building comfort levels is ASHRAE 55 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. (2010). Builders and maintenance folks tend to conform to ASHRAE 55 standards in terms of building thermal comfort. They are not mandatory unless they have been adopted as part of a jurisdiction's building code or environment climate codes.

A given temperature will not meet the needs of everybody in the same environment. While not a jail or prison but an office environment, this article TheThermal Comfort Zone concludes that it may not be possible to provide thermal conditions that please all occupants all the time (but that hasn't stopped facilities managers from trying):

"ASHRAE indicates thermal comfort is achieved when environmental conditions satisfy 80 percent of office occupants suggests just how difficult it is to please all occupants even some of the time."

Bottom line: consider this in your decision making

**How many inmates are requesting extra blankets?** If it is just a few, you are probably within norms, but might want to honor those requests. Everybody feels temperature differently, so those requests can be legitimate. So unless there is a hoarding issue, or it has become a "game", perhaps second blankets are easier than inmate grievances, litigation, and behavior issues.
	**Keep in mind some differences:**70 degrees with low humidity might feel cool to an inactive population while staff who are moving around feel just fine. So anything in a range of 69-76 degrees could be acceptable in terms of thermal comfort depending on levels of humidity (and factoring in ambient conditions in summer or winter).
	A good solution is to get your agency to request an assessment by a legitimate building services provider or institutional heating and cooling systems specialist to measure comfort levels in all housing units. It is important to document your efforts at providing an acceptable housing environment for the offenders.Here is how a major jail system deals with issues around "abnormal temperature conditions" . It might give you some ideas for policy and procedure. It actually comes in collaboration their Department of Environment Health:

**What temperatures (indoor and outdoor) are considered outside the normal range and require notifications/actions?**The Department requires that tour commanders notify the warden and the assistant commissioner for environmental health of any temperatures that are below 68° F. in all are as and above 80° F. in medical, mental health, and air conditioned areas. The assistant commissioner for environmental health initiates two hour temperature monitoring, so that decisions can be made whether inmates need to be relocated. For temperatures below 68° F. maintenance is notified to repair the heating system. Inmates are provided with additional blankets, clothing if necessary, and hot beverages. Inmates are relocated if the heat will not be repaired in a reasonable number of hours and the temperature remains below 68° F., if maintenance determines that the heat cannot be repaired, or if the temperature is below 60° F. Again, this is at the discretion of the assistant commissioner for environmental health and security. At temperatures at or above 80° F., maintenance is notified to repair the air conditioning, ice is provided for the inmates, two fans are placed in the housing areas, and it is determined how many heat sensitive inmates are housed in the area. Heat sensitive inmates will be relocated if the temperatures reaches or exceeds 85° F., if the temperature remains above 80° F. for a period of time and maintenance is unable to resolve the issue within a reasonable amount of time, or if the air conditioning cannot be repaired that day. Any non-heat sensitive inmates will remain in the housing area.
	**At what temperatures, both hot and cold, is outdoor recreation restricted?**At what high and low temperatures is it prohibited? Outdoor recreation is canceled at the discretion of the tour commander since it is voluntary and inmates may decide not to participate.
	**How is the status of "heat risk inmate" conveyed by medical staff to correctional staff?**The medical staff submit a heat sensitive identification form to the clinic captain.
	**What are the temperature thresholds for heat risk subjects?**In general, heat sensitive inmates are housed in air conditioned areas. The Department makes notification of high temperatures at 80° F. allowing time to correct the air conditioning deficiency before we would relocate the heat sensitive inmates at 85° F.
	**What discretionary language, if any, is used to permit judgment calls with regard to allowing outdoor recreation?**Outdoor recreation is held at the discretion of the tour commander.
          details    Do you have information on the use of volunteers in prisons, jails, and the community?
      Created
              Tue, 01/14/2014 - 12:00 pm UTC
            This Knowledgebase focuses on the use of volunteers in criminal justice settings. Volunteers can and do provide a variety of services within state and local correctional systems. These include but are not limited to the following:

Providing special instruction in a particular area such as tutoring and conducting classes.
	Assisting staff in daily office activities to free them for more direct work with inmates.
	Organizing or officiating games during recreation and sports related activities.
	Providing assistance to facility's library by collecting books.
	Serving as resource to advise inmates on various topics such as developing a budget or employment preparation.
	Assisting with religious related activities such as worship services or study of scriptures.
	Participating with an organized group already active at facility such as Yokefellow Prison Ministry, Alcoholics Anonymous or Prison Fellowship.
	Providing or coordinating special entertainment events such as singing groups and plays.
	Assisting in locating suitable residence and/or employment plans for an inmate before release.
	Providing transportation to employment or for family to visit facility.
	Serving as a role model by being a sponsor for an eligible inmate and escorting them to approved activities in the community.
	Serving as member of facility's Community Resource Council.
      
        Volunteer Opportunities:  Indiana Department of Corrections, 2017
              The Effects of Prison Visits from Community Volunteers on Offender Recidivism: Duwe, Grant, and Byron R. Johnson, 2016
              Handbook for Volunteers: New Jersey Department of Corrections, 2016
              Volunteer Orientation Guide: Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services, 2016
              TDOC Volunteer Services Training Manual: Tennessee Department of Corrections, 2014
              DAI Volunteer, Pastoral Visitor, Program Guest & Intern Orientation Manual: Wisconsin Department of Corrections, 20...
              Handbook for Volunteers: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, 2013
              Volunteer Orientation and Training Manual: Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, 2012
          details    Where can I find general guidelines and examples of procedures around jail/prison libraries?
      Created
              Tue, 08/27/2013 - 12:00 pm UTC
  ZenDeskID
              21970219

            We are reviewing our facility's inmate library procedures. We would like to know how other facilities handle the inmate library process. Can you help?

We have found that professional librarians are very willing to share their expertise. Don't forget to draw upon your local public or college/community college library staff to assist you or serve as an advisory group.

Meanwhile, take a look at the following resources. Both prison and jail library information are included since the issues are the same.
      
        Library Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions
              Standards for Colorado Correctional libraries: Uniting Service and Security
              Prison Librarian Blog Website
              American Library Association Prisoners' Right to Read
              Correctional Librarian Resources
              Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions)
              Library Services for Youth in Custody
              Department of Corrections, Montana State Prison, Operational Procedures: Library Services
          details    Can you direct me to jail policy development resources and examples of jail policy and procedure manuals?
      Created
              Mon, 07/01/2013 - 12:00 pm UTC
  ZenDeskID
              21940525

            **Question:**I need to revise our jail policy and procedure manual. Can you direct me to resources that will help me? I'd also like to see any jail policy manuals that are available.**Answer:**Some jail-specific policy examples and resources are provided below. As always, there are no such things as ideal or perfect polices, so you can review examples but make sure the revision you build in to your manual reflect your needs, statutes, prevailing case law, and prevailing professional practices. The American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities as well as their Core Jail Standards, make a good basis for jail policies.
      
        NIC Correctional Policy and Procedure Topic Page
              Enhancing Equity in the Criminal Justice System: A Self-Reflection Tool (2021)
              Countering Threats to Correctional Institution Security: Identifying Innovation Needs to Address Current and Emerging C...
              Developing and Revising Detention Facility Policies and Procedures (2002)
              Resource Guide for Jail Administrators
              Staff Sexual Misconduct with Inmates: Policy Development Guide for Sheriffs and Jail Administrators
              A Quick Guide for LGBTI Policy Development for Adult Prisons and Jails
  
      Accordion    Online Jail Policies and Procedures:
      
      Arkansas County (AR) Sheriff's Procedure Manual
              Pima County (AZ) Sheriff's Department Rules and Regulations
              Bernalillo County (CA) Sheriff's Department Standard Operating Procedures
              Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Manual of Policy and Procedures
              Monterey County (CA) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Policy and Procedures Manual
              Santa Cruz County (CA) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              Boulder County (CO) Jail Policy Manual
              El Paso County (CO) Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedure
              Leon County (FL) Jail Standard Operating Procedures
              Florida Law Enforcement Handbook: Miami-Dade (FL) County Edition
              Gwinnett County (GA) Detention Division Policies and Procedures (Direct Supervision)
              Kentucky (KY) Association of Counties Jail Policy Model
              Dorchester County (MD) Sheriff's Office Policy and Procedures
              Kent County Sheriff's Office Administrative and Operations Manual
              Isanti County (MN) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              Daviess/Dekalb County (MO) Regional Jail Policy and Procedure Manual
              Montgomery County (NC) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              Office of the Sheriff Camden County (NJ) Manual of Rules and Regulations
              New York City (NY) Department of Corrections Directives
              Erie County (OH) Jail Policies and Procedures
              Ohio County (OH) Sheriff's Manual
              Ross County (OH) Jail Rules and Regulations
              Columbia County (OR) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              Jackson County (OR) Sheriff's Office Manual and Policies
              Lincoln County (OR) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              Pennington County (SD) Sheriff's Office Jail Policies
              Tennessee (TN) Sheriff's Handbook
              Bell County (TX) Sheriff's Office General Orders
              Parker County (TX) Sheriff's Office General Orders Manual
              Uintah County (UT) Sheriff's Department Policy Manual
              Campbell County (VA) Sheriff's Office General Orders
              Buckley City (WA) Jail Manual of Policies and Procedures
              Clallam County (WA) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              Jefferson County (WA) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
              King County (WA) Sheriff's Office General Orders Manual
              Deschutes County (WA) Sheriff's Office Manual
              Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Policy Manual
              Spokane County (WA) Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
          details    Where can I find a listing of all the prisons and jails in the United States?
      Created
              Tue, 02/05/2013 - 12:00 pm UTC
  ZenDeskID
              21430389

            Question:Where can I find information (address, phone numbers, warden, etc.) for all the prisons/jails in the U.S. by state?Answer:The information is more thorough for states that have individual webpages or summary pages for their prisons on-line. You will need to check each linked site for specific information beyond just facility name.2013-2014 National Jail and Adult Detention DirectoryList of U.S. Bureau of Prisons - Federal Prison FacilitiesThere is no easily accessible, no-cost, comprehensive list of prisons with actual addresses and phone numbers all in one site or document.The **American Correctional Association (ACA)** has an annual directory of all the state DOCs ($100) which includes all prisons (as well as other correctional services) by state and very often the private prisons as well. If you contact the American Correctional Association, they can provide you a mailing list/contact list for prisons (for a fee). **American Correctional Association (ACA)** general number: (703) 224-0000Juvenile Agency Directory**Council of Juvenile Correctional Administrators (CJCA)****Department of Corrections Facilities by State:****Alabama****Alaska****Arizona****Arkansas****California****Colorado****Connecticut****Delaware****Florida****Georgia****Hawaii****Idaho****Illinois****Indiana****Iowa****Kansas****Kentucky****Louisiana****Maine****Maryland****Massachusetts****Michigan****Minnesota****Mississippi****Missouri****Montana****Nebraska****Nevada****New Hampshire****New Jersey****New Mexico****New York****North Carolina****North Dakota****Ohio****Oklahoma****Oregon****Pennsylvania****Rhode Island****South Carolina****South Dakota****Tennessee****Texas****Utah****Vermont****Virginia****Washington****West Virginia****Wisconsin****Wyoming**Other on-line inmate locator resources:General inmate locator resource: (This may require a fee for a public record check)
          details    Religious Practices & Beliefs in Jail and Prison
      Created
              Thu, 08/21/2014 - 12:00 pm UTC
            **Religion in Prisons: A 50-State Survey of Prison Chaplains**

**Boddie, Stephanie C. and Cary Funk, 2012**

This report “presents a rare window into religion behind bars. Although chaplains, like all observers, undoubtedly bring their own perspectives and predilections to bear, they also occupy a valuable vantage point as correctional workers who have regular, often positive interactions with inmates and take a strong interest in the role of religion in inmates’ lives” (p. 9). Their prime duties are personally leading worship services and administering religious programming.

Document ID: 026005
      
      Price
              $0.00

Religion in Corrections: Offenders' Rights, Your Responsibility [Internet Broadcast]
      
Accession Number
              028194

            Across the United States, chaplains and religious directors are overwhelmed with ensuring equitable consideration for all religious requests. They face the conflict of "myth versus reality" regarding the role of the chaplain/religious director in corrections, the priority of religious practice

  Amount in Stock
              0
  
        Religious Services: Oklahoma Department of Corrections, 2022
              Religious Diet Information: Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates
              Secular Dissent: Protecting Non-Believers from Coercive Religious Parole Programs: Grudzina, Phillip, 2016
              Combating Religious Discrimination and Protecting Religious Freedom: U.S. Department of Justice, 2016
              Inmate Religious and Alternative Diets: South Dakota Department of Corrections, 2016
              Handbook of Religious Beliefs and Practices: Washington Department of Corrections, 2013
              Department of Justice > Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000
              American Correctional Chaplains Association
          details    State Jail Standards
      Created
              Thu, 10/05/2017 - 12:00 pm UTC
        Arkansas: Criminal Detention Facility Standards
              Florida Model Jail Standards
              Illinois: County Jail Standards
              Kentucky: Jail Standards for Full-Service Facilities (See Chapter 3.)
              Maine: Detention and Correctional Standards for Maine Counties and Municipalities
              Maryland: Standards Manual
              Minnesota: Jail Facilities
              Nebraska: Minimum Jail Standards for Adult Jail Facilities
              Nevada: Local Facilities for Detection
              New York: Minimum Standards for Local Correctional Standards Facilities
              North Dakota: Correctional Facility Standards
              Ohio: Minimum Standards for Jails in Ohio
              Oregon: Standards for Local Correctional Facilities
              South Carolina: Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities in South Carolina
              Virginia: Minimum Standards for Jails and Lockups
          Will NIC will certify my jail?
      

accordion_item
Date of Publication
              Sunday, October 1, 2017 - 12:00

            No, NIC does not certify jails, even with a court order. **NIC is not an investigatory or regulatory agency.** NIC’s interest is in determining how best you can provide detention services in your community in a manner that is safe for inmates, staff and the public.

Does the National Institute of Corrections certify jails?

No, the National Institute of Corrections does not certify jails because it isn't a regulatory agency nor is it investigatory agency. NIC does help jails improve their training, processes, and procedures to better serve their incarcerated individuals, staff, and community. Return to top

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