A Modular Solution for Overcrowding in U.S. Prisons

Overcrowding causes a number of problems for federal and state prisons. Although inmates may be sent to prison to carry out their sentences, many are released early to ease congestion and the inmates who stay may spend more time locked in their cell because common areas are too crowded for the guards to safely patrol. As the government struggles with funding to build more infrastructures, more inmates are incarcerated every day. 

Modular construction is an effective solution to prison overcrowding. A modular building is the optimal choice for minimum and medium security facilities. A modular jail is as secure as a traditionally constructed building. Security features such as prison quality locks, surveillance systems and bullet resistant windows provide the protection needed for safe and secure modular correctional facilities. Additionally, modular prisons can be customized to meet the needs of each institution.

Modular correctional facilities serve as an appropriate means to ease overcrowding in juvenile, medical and guard facilities. Because factory construction and site work occur simultaneously, modular jails are completed quickly. Whether the extra space is needed to house additional inmates or to add educational or treatment complexes, modular correctional facilities allow prison systems to upgrade or expand their infrastructure without causing much disruption to ongoing operations.

The additional space offered by a modular prison facility can serve as a means to separate lower-risk inmates from those who have a history of disruptive conduct. Custom floor plans can be designed to meet each facility’s unique needs including size and layout. Modular jails often offer inmates more space and privacy than typical prisons.

Modular Correctional Facilities

With roughly one in every 100 adults in the United States incarcerated, correction facilities are experiencing an extreme degree of overcrowding. In fact, with budget cuts and a lack of funding, the prison system is desperate to find a plausible solution. In the meantime, correctional institutions should take a look at relieving the crowding strain by using modular construction to take care of their excess inmate housing needs.

 Besides the obvious speed of using modular construction, modular buildings offer more advantages for constructing medium and minimum security facilities such as flexibility and cost effectiveness. Complying with all federal, state and local regulations, these buildings can be customized to include surveillance equipment and other necessary items to maintain security parameters. 

Modularcorrectional facilities are primarily built at a factory. Once the bulk of construction is complete, modules are transported to any location inmate housing may be needed. Once delivered, final interior and exterior finishes are applied and utilities are connected. This accelerated construction process results in a shorter project timeline and earlier occupancy. 

For correctional institutions looking for an inmate housing solution, a modular building offers a cost-effective and long-term answer. Modular buildings are just as safe, secure and protective of public welfare as alternative options. With overcrowding continuing to be a foreseeable problem, administrators are urged to take action now by considering modular construction.