The Oneida County Correctional Facility is comprised of numerous housing units. Some units contain between 12 and 40 barred cells aligned in rows, referred to a "Linear Housing". Other units are open dormitory style which house up to twenty 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 fifty six 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.
