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The 96-bed jail proposal was arrived at using a 2-step formula: Step 1 The number of optimal jail beds for a community per best practices according to the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is 3.1 per thousand residents. The average number of beds per thousand residents in the State of Michigan is 3.4. See the Jail Size Data Sheet to view how Otsego County is using 3.1 in its calculation. Otsego County Population per the 2020 Census 25,000 (rounded figure) Divided by 1,000 25 Multiplied by 3.1 Population Standard 77.5 Rounded down 77 Step 2 For optimal operations and safety, the number of inmates in the jail should be at 80% capacity per the NIC. See below. Number of Jail Beds at the 3.1 Standard, per above 77 Factor in the 80% Capacity Standard 80% Optimal Number of Jail Beds for Otsego County 96.25 FINAL JAIL BED FIGURE 96 Per NIC Training Seminar: Characteristics of Facilities That Support Capacity and Jail Crowding: Effective Jail Operations: An adequate facility is essential to effective jail The most common definition of operations. Features and characteristics of facili- crowding is when the jail population consistently ties that support safe, secure, and efficient opera- exceeds design, or rated, capacity. However, tions include the following (Kimme, 1998): of crowding may be apparent much ❋ Adequate capacity with flexible housing earlier—once the jail reaches approximately 80 arrangements that allow for proper classifi- percent of rated capacity. At that level, properly cation of inmates and management of peaks housing and managing the diverse jail population in population levels. begins to become much more difficult because ❋ The availability of appropriate types of compromises in the jail’s classification system housing single-occupancy cells, occur. Compromising the jail’s classification multiple-occupancy cells, dormitories) capabilities is likely to lead to increases in violence, for the types of inmates held. tension, and the availability of contraband. ❋ Clear visibility into housing areas from fixed Basic functions (security, maintenance, sanitation, FORMULA TO ARRIVE AT THE 96-BED PROPOSED JAIL Per NIC Training Seminar: ---PAGE BREAK--- posts that facilitate constant, rather than programs, recreation, etc.) begin to break intermittent, surveillance or supervision of down when they are stretched to their limit for inmates. Officers should have a clear line extended periods of time due to crowding. These of sight into housing-unit day areas and cell conditions increase the jail’s liability exposure fronts. and jeopardize the safety and well-being of both ❋ Adequate living and working environment inmates and staff. (lighting, temperature, air quality, sound levels, cleanliness, plumbing, etc.). ❋ Adequate space for intake, support services (including medical, food, laundry, and main- tenance), inmate programs (including coun- seling, education, visitation, library, and exercise), administration, and storage. ❋ An efficient layout of rooms and spaces that support staff and accommodate the flow of activities and services. Jail Physical Plant ❋ A clean and well-maintained space with appropriate fixtures, finishes, furnishings, and equipment. ❋ Space that is in compliance with life safety codes, health codes, workplace safety stan- dards, and jail standards.