Rural Jail Initiative
Starting with Understanding A practical first step for rural counties
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STARTING WITH UNDERSTANDING: A PRACTICAL FIRST STEP FOR RURAL COUNTIES For many counties, the question is not simply whether to build a new facility. It is understanding how the current facility is performing and what realistic options exist moving forward. This is where most conversations begin. Sheriffs and county leaders already understand their facility at a practical level, where it works, where it is stretched, and where it creates daily challenges. The next step is moving from observation to clarity: defining what can be improved, what can be adjusted, and what may need to change.
Why a Study Comes First Moving directly into design can create unnecessary risk. Without a clear understanding of current operations, needs, and physical constraints, it is difficult to define the right path. A focused study creates a structured, objective framework for evaluation. It allows counties to step back from day to day pressures and assess how the facility is actually performing, and what options are realistically available. This step is about establishing a clear basis for decision making.
What a Study Examines A study is grounded in how a facility operates on a daily basis and how that aligns with current and future needs. Key areas typically include: • Current Operations - How the facility is used on a daily basis, including movement, supervision, and staffing coverage • Capacity and Demand - Rated capacity compared to actual population, including variability, classification needs, and future considerations • Staffing Alignment - How staffing levels and assignments relate to the building layout and where pressure points exist • Facility Constraints - Physical limitations that affect visibility, classification, control, and long term performance • Opportunities and Paths Forward – A range of approaches, from operational adjustments to renovation or replacement, based on what is realistic for the County.
Questions That Drive The Conversation A well-structured study does not prescribe a single solution. It provides: • A clear picture of how the facility is performing today • Identification of operational gaps and constraints • A range of options, with tradeoffs • A foundation for informed decision making These are practical questions that benefit from clear, objective evaluation. In some cases, this leads to a capital project. In others, it leads to operational improvements within the existing facility
MOVING FORWARD Every county is different. The most effective starting point is a clear understanding of your current conditions and the options available. If you find it helpful to compare what you are seeing in your facility with a structured evaluation, we will welcome a conversation. Scan to learn more:
Se e mo re of our wo r k
B KV G ROUP RURAL JA IL INITIATIV E - LE A DE RSHIP TE A M
KYLE YARDLEY
PAUL MICHELL
DANIEL GILLEN
Justice Practice Leader, Partner Chicago, IL
Government Practice Leader, Partner Minneapolis, MN
Manager of Design, Associate Partner Chicago, IL
MICHAEL MALONEY
BRIAN DOVE
BRIAN REISING
Project Manager Chicago, IL
Project Manager Chicago, IL
Project Manager Chicago, IL
B K V G RO UP RURAL JAI L I NI TIATIV E - REGIONA L LE A DE RSHIP CONTACTS KYLE YARDLEY Justice Practice Leader, Partner
PHIL CALLISON Government Practice Leader, Partner
PAUL MICHELL Government Practice Leader, Partner
MARK MANETTI Government Practice Leader, Partner
C H I C AG O
DALLAS
MINNE APOL IS
WASH I N GTO N , DC
209 South LaSalle Street The Rookery, Suite 920 Chicago, IL 60604
1412 Main Street Adolphus Tower, Suite 700 Dallas, TX 75202
222 North Second Street Long & Kees Building, Suite 101 Minneapolis, MN 55401
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P 312.279.0470
P 469.405.1196
P 612.339.3752
P 202.595.3173
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