New Jail Planning Bulletin Series

Guidance is provided for successfully identifying, evaluating, and selecting jail sites. This bulletin contains the following sections: case study -- why systematic jail site selection is important; the SEQRA (state environmental quality review act) model; preliminary considerations; five-step site selection process; case study -- the cost of overreacting to public concerns; case study -- an example of rural site selection; case study -- an example of jail expansion on an urban site; case study -- a good neighbor by design; case study -- creative solutions to public concerns; case study -- connecting the jail to the courthouse; and conclusion. Appendixes include a sample site selection evaluation form and a sample key data display.

The process of building community support for a new jail is explained. Sections comprising this bulletin include: the challenge; raising the issue; increasing public awareness; going public with the problem; building a case or support; a picture is worth a thousand words; going public with the information; elements of a case for support; developing campaign strategies; potential stakeholders; case study -- when impact assessments go right and wrong; case study -- a multilevel strategy for a complex situation; case study -- a cautious approach to an unusual situation; case study -- preparing to meet the editorial board; tactics; case study -- using video to contrast the old and the new; case study -- outreach via public access television; case study -- promoting the project website; case study -- surveys as two-way information pipelines; putting it all together -- one community's experience; case study -- making the most of a community meeting; responding to public input; and conclusion.