| 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
Design Development
Construction
Commissioning/Activation
Reference Documents
Facility Types
Security Classification & Housing
Operational Spaces
Security Systems
Detention Hardware & Materials
Security Electronics
Detention MEP Systems
Codes & Standards
Construction Methods
Project Management
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
