HD12 - The Capital Outlay Planning Process and Prison Design in the Department of Corrections


Executive Summary:
The General Assembly's study mandate in the 1983 through 1986 Appropriations Acts called for JLARC to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Correction's (DOC) capital outlay planning process and prison designs. This study addresses the adequacy of DOC's capital outlay planning process, the effectiveness of the prison designs which resulted, and the ability of the department's institutional maintenance programs to protect the State's capital investment.

A sound foundation for capital outlay planning was laid in1978 with the preparation of the DOC's long-range plan, "Corrections Options for the Eighties." However, the plan has never been updated or fully utilized for capital outlay planning. In recent years, therefore, the department's approach to capital outlay planning has lacked consistency and continuity.

In 1986, to address an expanding inmate population and expected bedspace shortfall, the department prepared its "Adult Facilities Master Plan," which was a positive step in reestablishing long-range planning activities. To achieve greater continuity in its capital outlay planning and programs, the department needs to further develop a proactive, systematic approach.

DOC has improved the effectiveness of its prison designs since the construction of Mecklenburg and Brunswick. The prototype design used at Buckingham, Nottoway, and Augusta provides cost-effective operation and enhanced security features. Additional flexibility in certain areas should be built into future facility designs, and the department should continue to pursue even more cost-effective designs.