correctional-detention-construction

name	correctional-detention-construction
description	Guidance for construction PMs on correctional facilities, jails, and detention centers including security systems, codes, and specialized building requirements.

Correctional & Detention Facility Construction

This skill provides comprehensive guidance for construction project managers working on correctional facilities, jails, detention centers, and related secure facilities. These projects require specialized knowledge of security systems, detention hardware, life safety codes, and operational requirements unique to the justice system.

Quick Reference Tables

Facility Type Matrix

Facility Type	Typical Capacity	Security Level	Avg Stay	Jurisdiction	Cost/Bed
Federal Prison (FCI)	500-2,000	Low-Medium	Years	BOP	$250-350K
Federal Prison (USP)	1,000-1,500	High-Max	Years	BOP	$400-600K
State Prison	500-3,000	Varies	Years	State DOC	$150-300K
County Jail	100-2,000	Medium	Days-Months	Sheriff	$100-200K
Municipal Lockup	10-50	Minimum	Hours	Police Dept	$50-80K
Juvenile Detention	50-150	Medium	Days-Months	County/State	$200-350K
Immigration Detention	500-2,000	Low-Medium	Weeks-Months	ICE/Private	$120-180K

→ See references/facility-types-overview.md for detailed facility type information

Security Level Design Implications

Security Level	Housing Type	Perimeter	Movement	Supervision	Staff Ratio
Minimum	Dormitory	Single fence	Open	Periodic	1:40-50
Low	Dormitory/Cubicle	Double fence	Controlled	Direct	1:30-40
Medium	Cell housing	Double fence + detection	Escorted groups	Direct/Indirect	1:15-25
High	Single cell	Multiple barriers	Individual escort	Indirect + camera	1:8-12
Maximum/Supermax	Single cell, 23-hr lockdown	Maximum barriers	Always restrained	Constant monitoring	1:3-5

→ See references/security-level-classification.md for complete security level requirements

Cell Design Quick Reference

Cell Type	Typical Size	Occupancy	Fixtures	Key Features
Wet Cell (Single)	70-80 SF	1	Toilet/sink combo	Self-contained
Wet Cell (Double)	80-100 SF	2	Toilet/sink combo	Bunk beds
Dry Cell	50-60 SF	1-2	None in cell	Shared toilet/shower
Segregation	80-100 SF	1	Wet, enhanced security	Anti-ligature
Suicide Watch	80-100 SF	1	Wet, full anti-ligature	No protrusions
ADA Accessible	100+ SF	1	Accessible fixtures	60" turning, grab bars

→ See references/cell-design-wet-dry.md for comprehensive cell design guidance

IBC I-3 Occupancy Conditions

Condition	Description	Example	Egress Requirements
1	Free egress	Work release	Standard
2	Limited restraint, residential	Halfway house	Staff-controlled locks
3	Limited restraint, staff-secured	Minimum security	Remote release capability
4	Typical detention	County jail	Smoke compartments, remote release
5	Maximum security, contained	Supermax	Enhanced smoke compartments

→ See references/i3-occupancy-code.md for complete code requirements

Critical Code Requirements Summary

Requirement	Standard	Key Provision
Cell Size (Single)	ACA 4-4141	35 SF unencumbered
Cell Size (Double)	ACA 4-4141	25 SF/person unencumbered
Dayroom Space	ACA 4-4142	35 SF per inmate
Outdoor Recreation	ACA 4-4260	1 hour/day minimum
Smoke Compartment	IBC 408.6	22,500 SF maximum
Sprinkler Coverage	IBC 903.2.6	Required for I-3
Natural Light	ACA 4-4143	Required in housing

→ See references/aca-standards.md for ACA requirements

Detention Hardware Grades

DHI Grade	Security Level	Attack Resistance	Applications
Grade 40	Maximum	Highest (extended attack)	USP, state max, seg
Grade 45	Medium	Moderate (sustained attack)	Medium security housing
Grade 50	Minimum	Standard (casual attack)	Min security, admin areas

→ See references/detention-hardware.md for hardware specifications

Critical Coordination Points by Phase

Preconstruction

• Confirm security level and ACA standards applicability
• Identify state jail standards requirements
• Determine I-3 occupancy condition
• Review owner's operational philosophy (direct vs. indirect supervision)
• Establish security consultant involvement
• Confirm PREA compliance requirements
• Review fire marshal requirements (defend-in-place)
• Identify precast cell module opportunities

Design Development

• Complete security electronics basis of design
• Establish detention hardware specification (DHI grade)
• Confirm anti-ligature requirements by space type
• Coordinate smoke compartment layout with housing
• Review control room locations and sight lines
• Establish sally port locations and interlock logic
• Coordinate MEP with security requirements
• Plan mock-up cell construction

Construction

• Implement tool control program
• Establish contractor security clearance process
• Coordinate precast cell delivery and setting
• Manage security hardware procurement (long lead)
• Schedule security electronics rough-in coordination
• Plan phased security system commissioning
• Coordinate with operations (if occupied facility)
• Execute mock-up cell review and approval

Commissioning/Activation

• Complete security system integration testing
• Conduct emergency scenario testing
• Coordinate staff training on systems
• Plan phased population intake
• Execute operational readiness review
• Document warranty and maintenance requirements

Reference Documents

Facility Types

• Facility Types Overview - Comprehensive guide to correctional/detention facility types
• Federal BOP Facilities - Bureau of Prisons standards and requirements
• State Correctional Facilities - State DOC design guidelines
• County Jails - County jail requirements and standards
• Municipal Lockups - Police holding facilities
• Juvenile Detention - Juvenile justice facility requirements
• Immigration Detention - ICE detention standards
• Private vs. Public Operation - Ownership and operation models

Security Classification & Housing

• Security Level Classification - Minimum through supermax requirements
• Direct Supervision Housing - Direct supervision philosophy and design
• Indirect Supervision Housing - Indirect supervision design
• Linear/Intermittent Surveillance - Traditional housing design
• Housing Pod Design - Pod configuration and layout
• Cell Design (Wet/Dry) - Comprehensive cell design guidance
• Segregation Cells - Special management housing
• Suicide-Resistant Design - Anti-ligature and safe cell design
• Dayroom/Common Areas - Common area requirements

Operational Spaces

• Intake/Booking/Release - Admission and discharge areas
• Visitation Areas - Contact and non-contact visitation
• Indoor/Outdoor Recreation - Recreation requirements
• Food Service/Kitchen - Kitchen and dining facilities
• Laundry Facilities - Laundry operations
• Medical/Infirmary - Healthcare facilities
• Mental Health Housing - Mental health units
• Education/Vocational - Program spaces
• Chapel/Multi-Faith - Religious program spaces
• Administration/Staff Areas - Staff support spaces

Security Systems

• Control Rooms - Central and housing unit control
• Sally Ports/Mantraps - Pedestrian security vestibules
• Vehicle Sally Ports - Secure vehicle entry
• Perimeter Security - Fencing, detection, barriers

Detention Hardware & Materials

• Detention Hardware - Locks, hinges, closers, hardware
• Security Glazing - Attack-resistant glazing
• Detention Doors & Frames - Security door assemblies

Security Electronics

• Security Electronics Overview - Integrated system architecture
• Door Control Systems - Electronic door control
• CCTV/Video Surveillance - Camera and recording systems
• Intercom/Communications - Communication systems
• Duress Alarms/Paging - Staff safety systems

Detention MEP Systems

• Detention Plumbing/Fixtures - Security plumbing
• Detention HVAC Systems - Secure HVAC design
• Detention Electrical - Electrical and lighting
• Detention Fire Protection - Fire/life safety

Codes & Standards

• Anti-Ligature Design - Ligature point elimination
• Contraband Interdiction - Detection and prevention
• I-3 Occupancy Code - IBC detention requirements
• ACA Standards - American Correctional Association
• State Jail Standards - State-specific requirements
• PREA Design Requirements - Prison Rape Elimination Act
• Accessibility in Detention - ADA compliance

Construction Methods

• Precast Cell Modules - Factory-built cells
• CMU Construction - Masonry detention construction
• Cast-in-Place Detention - Concrete construction
• Occupied Facility Renovation - Renovation of active facilities
• Security During Construction - Tool and material control
• Mock-ups & Prototypes - Prototype cell construction
• Commissioning & Activation - System startup and operations

Project Management

• Correctional Stakeholders - Owner and stakeholder management
• Specifications (CSI) - Specification sections

Key Terminology

Term	Definition
ADP	Average Daily Population - key capacity metric
Anti-ligature	Design to prevent hanging/self-harm
Chase	Secure corridor behind cells for MEP access
Dayroom	Common area within housing pod
DHI	Door and Hardware Institute (sets detention grades)
Direct Supervision	Officers stationed inside housing with inmates
Food Pass	Slot in cell door for meal delivery
Indirect Supervision	Officers observe from secure control room
Interlock	Door control preventing both doors open simultaneously
Ligature Point	Any projection that could support a noose
Mantrap	See Sally Port
Pod	Self-contained housing unit with cells and dayroom
PREA	Prison Rape Elimination Act
Sally Port	Security vestibule with interlocked doors
Segregation	Separate housing for discipline or protection
Wet Cell	Cell with toilet/sink inside
Dry Cell	Cell without toilet (shared facilities)

Related Skills

• doors-frames-hardware: Detention door and hardware coordination, fire ratings, access control integration
• fire-protection-systems: Sprinkler systems, fire alarm, smoke compartments, defend-in-place
• low-voltage-technology: Security electronics, CCTV, access control, intercom systems
• electrical-systems: Power distribution, lighting, emergency power
• mechanical-plumbing-systems: HVAC security considerations, detention plumbing
• structural-trades: Precast cell modules, CMU construction, cast-in-place concrete
• site-improvements-division-32: Perimeter security, fencing, paving, site lighting
• healthcare-medical-construction: Medical and mental health housing, infirmary design
• equipment-division-11: Food service equipment, laundry equipment
• commissioning-closeout: Security system commissioning, operational readiness
• procore-workflows: Documentation and workflow management
• construction-safety-management: Site security, tool control, occupied facility safety