The Oneida County Correctional
Facility is comprised of numerous housing units. Some units contain between
thirty and forty barred cells aligned in rows. Other units are open
dormitory style which house up to twenty-eight inmates. The jail also has
housing "pods" which hold up to fifty-six inmates. The classification and
initial admission process determines in which area an inmate will be placed.
Assignment to a housing area starts the process of inmate management, care and
control. A network involving a supervisor, trained line officers, specialty
units and civilians carry out and perform specific duties to ensure the safety
and security of the facility and the public. Correctional employees provide a
humane and sanitary environment for the inmates incarcerated at
the Correction Facility.
In a Podular Direct Supervision facility, the housing units are divided
into manageable units of forty to sixty secure individual rooms, arranged
around a central day room area. Here, the officers provide pro-active
supervision because they are assigned directly inside the housing unit with
inmates who are not confined behind bars during the day. The absence of
physical barriers between the inmates and officers places an emphasis on
effective inter-personal communication, good visibility and immediate response
to negative behavior. Officers have an open view of all parts of the unit from
a central vantage point.
Direct Supervision philosophy holds the
inmate accountable for his/her behavior and resulting consequences of
misbehavior. Immediate changes in inmate and staff behavior emerge; the less
restrictive environment increases visibility and reduces inmate and staff
tension, resulting in fewer inmate problems, medical complaints and reduced
staff sick leave. Indestructible furnishings no longer challenge the inmate,
which reduces vandalism and damage. The atmosphere communicates a
non-threatening message. Inmates quickly realize that good behavior allows them
this environment as a privilege. Negative behavior is immediately addressed and
non-compliant inmates are removed to a more restrictive, traditional jail
environment.