Resources for Change in Local Jails

The problem of contemporary jails appear to be particularly resistent to change efforts. Many reformers have attributed this to local control of jails and have proposed greater state and national influence in local corrections. This paper outlines an alternative approach to jail reform. The project which is discussed employed participatory methods in which front line staff plan the operation of new detention facilities. The model appears to be valuable for local jails through its development of staff members, organizational development and community involvement.