Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Corrections
Chapter DOC 349 - Municipal lockup facilities
Section DOC 349.06 - Physical environment for new or substantially remodeled lockups

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง DOC 349.06

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) APPLICABILITY. This section applies only to lockups that are constructed or substantially remodeled on or after February 1, 1990.

(2) EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS. The following equipment and materials in a lockup shall be of detention strength and manufactured, sold and installed by firms that specialize in jail and prison equipment or ordered from a firm that will follow the specifications for detention strength equipment in this chapter:

(a) Windows;

(b) Glazing;

(c) Security screens;

(d) Grills over vents and windows;

(e) Security doors;

(f) Security locks;

(g) Keys;

(h) Hinges;

(i) Food passes;

(j) Observation ports;

(k) "Contraband proof" sills;

(L) Speaking ports;

(m) Seats;

(n) Benches;

(o) Lights;

(p) Locking mechanism housings;

(q) Key cabinets;

(r) Walls;

(s) Windows and door frames;

(t) Bunks;

(u) Tables;

(v) Toilets;

(w) Urinals;

(x) Wash basins;

(y) Drinking fountains;

(z) Showers;

(za) Desks;

(zb) Clothing hooks;

(zc) Shelves;

(zd) Door pulls;

(ze) Screws;

(zf) Bolts;

(zg) Mirrors;

(zh) Floor drains; and

(zi) Ceilings.

(3) CELLS.

(a) This subsection applies to all cells except holding rooms. Requirements for holding rooms are specified under sub. (4).

(b) Each cell shall be designed and used for single occupancy only.

(c) Each cell shall have a floor area of ar least 54 square feet. The distance between the floor and ceiling may not be less than 8 feet and the distance between opposite walls may not be less than 6 feet.

(d) Each cell shall have:
1. A rigidly constructed metal bed with the frame bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor or a bed built in masonry construction of a similar strength;

2. A detention strength, metal, institution-type wash basin and toilet. The wash basin and toilet may be combined in one unit. The wash basin shall have hot and cold running water; and

3. Detention strength light fixtures that provide at least 10 footcandles of illumination 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a night light to allow for comfortable sleeping.

(4) HOLDING ROOMS.

(a) A person under arrest who is in the process of being admitted or released may be placed in a holding room for a period of time not to exceed 4 hours, but only after the decision has been made, in the case of a person being admitted, to admit the person to the lockup facility and a proper entry has been made in the register of inmates required under s. DOC 349.11(1). Holding rooms shall be located in an area that allows continuous staff observation or electronic surveillance of inmates. Supervision shall be in accordance with the requirements of ss. 302.41 and 302.42, Stats.

(b) Holding rooms may be designed and used for multiple occupancy for inmates of the same security classification who are properly segregated as required under s. 302.36, Stats.

(c) Each lockup which has a holding room shall have at least one cell that is designed and used for single occupancy.

(d) Each holding room shall contain detention strength, rigidly constructed seats or benches bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor or seats or benches of masonry construction of a similar strength.

(e) A detention strength, institution-type wash basin and toilet shall be provided for every 8 occupants and, for holding rooms designed for male occupancy, a urinal shall be provided.

(f) Hot and cold running water shall be provided.

(g) A holding room shall have a floor area of at least 50 square feet. The maximum capacity for a holding room with at least 50 square feet of floor space but less than 60 square feet of floor space shall be 5 persons. The maximum capacity for a larger holding room shall be one more person for every additional 10 square feet of floor space.

(5) EXTERIOR WINDOWS.

(a) This subsection applies only to lockup facilities that have exterior windows. In this subsection, "exterior window" means any window that faces the exterior of the lockup facility or an area outside the secure detention area of the lockup facility.

(b) All exterior windows shall be translucent or shall be located to prevent persons outside the secure detention area of the lockup facility from observing inmates within the lockup.

(c) Each exterior window that has an opening in any direction in excess of 51/2 inches shall be covered with security steel grills to prevent escape.

(d) If an exterior window is accessible to inmates and opens, the window shall be mounted in a detention strength frame and shall be covered on the inside with a security screen of at least 1600 pound per lineal inch tensile strength and made of at least .047 mil. diameter wire to prevent the passage of contraband.

(e) If an exterior window is not accessible to inmates and opens, the window's security screen need not meet the requirements of par. (d), but the screen shall have a tensile strength of at least 800 pounds per lineal inch and shall be made of wire of at least .028 mil. diameter.

(f) If an exterior window does not open, whether or not it is accessible to inmates, the security screen required under par. (d) or (e) may be omitted it the window is mounted in a detention strength frame and the pane is security glass of sufficient strength to resist breakage and prevent the passage of contraband.

(6) EXTERIOR APPROACHES. The exterior of the lockup and approaches to the lockup shall be well lighted at night to permit observation of persons approaching the building.

(7) WALLS.

(a) Walls on the exterior of the lockup shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or fully grouted concrete block at least 8 inches thick, or the walls shall be constructed of materials of similar strength which provide equivalent security.

(b) Walls in the interior of the lockup shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or fully grouted concrete block at least 6 inches thick, or the walls shall be constructed of materials of similar strength which provide equivalent security.

(8) CEILINGS. Ceilings in areas accessible to inmates shall be constructed of pre-cast concrete or flat steel of at least 3/16 inch thickness, or ceilings shall be constructed of materials of similar strength which provide equivalent security.

(9) DOORS AND LOCKS.

(a) Every door that leads to the exterior of the lockup facility or to an area outside the secure detention area of the lockup shall have a sill designed to prevent the introduction of contraband.

(b) Every door entering into the secure detention area of the lockup shall be of detention strength. Each of these doors shall have a vision panel or other means of observation to permit identification of individuals before they enter the secure detention area of the lockup and to allow observation of the area before entering it. If the vision panel has an opening in any direction in excess of 51/2 inches, the opening shall be covered with detention strength steel grills to prevent escape.

(c) If locks to cell or holding room doors have an electric release, the electric release shall have a mechanical emergency release. The mechanical emergency release may be by key at the cell door provided that the inmate does not have access to the key hole mechanism.

(10) ACCESS TO CONTROLS. Inmates may not have access to plumbing, wiring, vents, thermostats, switches or controls.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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