Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 121 - Corrections Department
Chapter 2900 - NEW CORRECTIONS FACILITIES
Part 2900.0500 - CONSTRUCTION OF LIVING AREA

Subpart 1. Segregation of prisoners.

The design of the facility shall provide for proper segregation of prisoners.

Subp. 2. Separation of males and females.

Male and female areas shall be so situated as to preclude the need for staff and/or prisoners of the opposite sex from routinely trafficking in each others' areas.

Subp. 3. Prisoner privacy.

Prisoners' rights to privacy from degrading, unauthorized observation shall be protected without compromising the security and control of the facility.

Subp. 4. Level of floor line.

No living area shall have a floor line more than three feet below the adjacent ground level.

Subp. 5. Ventilation and heating vents.

All ventilation and heating vents shall be located so as not to create an air flow directly on a bed or eating area.

Subp. 6. Furnishings.

Basic provisions for each cell or detention room shall include a toilet, sink, abuse-resistant mirror, drinking faucet, desk or table, seating bench or chair, wall closet or shelf, bed or bunk, and light with abuse-resistant lens covering.

Subp. 7. Shower facilities.

Each residential area shall provide a shower facility of a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches for each 15 prisoners, adjacent to the living area. Shower facilities are prohibited in cells and detention rooms.

Subp. 8. Exercise area.

Each room or cell in lockups, jails, and adult corrections centers shall be adjacent to an enclosed exercise area or connected by corridor having direct access which provides a minimum of 40 square feet per prisoner for numbers under four, an overall average of 36 square feet per prisoner for numbers over four, but in no event, an area less than 75 square feet. Holding facilities are not required to provide such exercise areas.

Each exercise area shall be equipped with a fixed table and benches providing a minimum of three square feet per prisoner for at least 50 percent of the prisoner capacity of the area served by such exercise area, a telephone jack, an audio sound monitor, at least one controlled electrical outlet, and if separate from direct access to rooms having toilets, a toilet, sink, drinking faucet, and modesty panel.

Subp. 9. Examination, treatment, and convalescent care.

Each lockup, jail, and adult corrections center shall provide an area for the examination, treatment, and convalescent care of prisoners, situated separate and apart from other living areas, but within the security perimeter of the facility. Holding facilities are not required to provide such an area.

Subp. 10. Occupancy levels.

All living areas other than dormitories (three or more beds) shall be single occupancy. Dormitory capacity shall be limited to no more than 25 percent of the total capacity of the facility.

Subp. 11. Outdoor recreation space.

Adult corrections centers shall provide outdoor recreational space for prisoners compatible with the security classification of prisoners confined.