Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Corrections
Chapter DOC 350 - Jails
Section DOC 350.06 - Physical environment for new or substantially remodeled jails on or after March 1, 1990 to September 1, 2014

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง DOC 350.06

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) APPLICABILITY. This section applies only to jails that are constructed or substantially remodeled on or after March 1, 1990 to September 1, 2014.

(2) FURNITURE AND FIXTURES. Furniture and fixtures used in a jail shall be of detention strength materials and manufactured, sold, and installed by firms that specialize in detention equipment or ordered from a firm that will follow the specifications for detention strength equipment in this chapter, including all of the following:

(a) Benches.

(b) Bolts.

(c) Bunks.

(d) Ceilings.

(e) Clothing hooks.

(f) Contraband proof thresholds.

(g) Desks.

(h) Door pulls.

(i) Drinking fountains.

(j) Floor drains.

(k) Food passes.

(L) Glazing.

(m) Grills over vents and windows.

(n) Hinges.

(o) Key cabinets.

(p) Lights.

(q) Locking mechanism housings.

(r) Mirrors.

(s) Observations ports.

(t) Screws.

(u) Seats.

(v) Security doors.

(w) Security locks.

(x) Security screens.

(y) Shelves.

(z) Showers.

(za) Speaking ports.

(zb) Tables.

(zc) Toilets.

(zd) Urinals.

(ze) Walls.

(zf) Washbasins.

(zg) Windows.

(zh) Window and door frames.

(3) CELLS.

(a) This subsection applies to all cells except receiving cells and holding rooms. Requirements for receiving cells are specified under sub. (5), and requirements for holding rooms are specified under sub. (7).

(b) Except if s. DOC 350.20 applies, each cell shall be designed and used for single occupancy only.

(c) Except if s. DOC 350.20 applies, each cell shall have a floor area of at 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) A cell that is to be used for double occupancy shall have a floor area of at least 70 square feet.

(e) There shall be at least one shower or bathtub in each area where cells are located. There shall be hot and cold running water in the showers and bathtubs, and the hot water shall maintain a minimum temperature of 110°F to the mixer. In this paragraph, "mixer" means the part of the plumbing system which combines hot and cold water.

(f) Each cell shall have all of the following:
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 for each inmate.

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

3. Detention strength light fixtures that shall provide at least 10 foot-candles 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. A detention strength, metal, institution-type mirror that is not removable.

(4) DAYROOMS.

(a) All dormitories and cells, except receiving cells and holding rooms, shall be provided with one or more dayrooms in their immediate vicinity that are accessible to inmates. If the dayroom is an area within a dormitory, the requirements under sub. (6) (b) apply.

(b) Each dayroom shall have detention strength tables and seating for the number of occupants of the dormitory or cells that have access to the dayroom.

(c) Illumination in dayrooms may not be less than 10 foot-candles, 30 inches above the floor.

(5) RECEIVING CELLS.

(a) All receiving cells shall be designed and used for single occupancy.

(b) Each receiving cell shall have a floor area of at 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.

(c) Each receiving cell shall have all of the following:
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 washbasin and toilet. The washbasin and toilet may be combined in one unit. The washbasin shall have hot and cold running water.

3. Detention strength light fixtures that shall provide at least 10 foot-candles 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.

(6) DORMITORIES.

(a) Inmates may be housed in dormitories if the inmates are of the same security classification and properly segregated as required under s. 302.36, Stats.

(b) Each dormitory shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet per occupant, excluding the toilet and shower area. Each dormitory shall have a floor to ceiling height of not less than 8 feet.

(c) A detention strength bed shall be provided for each occupant of a dormitory.

(d) An area for personal property shall be provided for each occupant of a dormitory.

(e) Dormitories shall be provided with illumination of at least 10 foot-candles, 30 inches above the floor and with the ability to reduce lighting during sleeping hours to a level which is enough for security checks.

(f) Each dormitory shall provide adequate showers or bathtubs, toilets, and washbasins for the occupants. Each dormitory shall have hot and cold running water, and the hot water shall maintain a minimum temperature of 110°F to the mixer. In this paragraph, "mixer" means the part of the plumbing system which combines hot and cold water.

(g) Dormitories shall be constructed of materials of detention strength and shall be provided with detention strength equipment.

(7) HOLDING ROOMS.

(a) Holding rooms are intended to be used for admission, release, and investigative purposes. A holding room may not be used as a cell, dormitory, or receiving cell. Holding rooms shall be located in an area that allows continuous staff observation or electronic video surveillance of inmates.

(b) 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.

(c) A detention strength, institution-type washbasin and toilet shall be provided.

(d) A holding room shall have a floor area of at least 50 square feet with an additional 10 square feet for each occupant above five.

(8) MULTIPURPOSE ROOM. Each jail shall provide a multipurpose room for recreation, physical exercise, and congregate assembly other than visiting. The multipurpose room shall have a minimum floor area of 300 square feet.

(9) EXTERIOR WINDOWS.

(a) This subsection applies to all windows that lead to the exterior of the jail or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the jail.

(b) All exterior windows shall be translucent or shall be located to prevent persons outside the secure perimeter of the jail from observing inmates within the jail.

(c) Each exterior window that has an opening in any direction in excess of 5 1/2 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 1,600 pound per lineal inch tensile strength security screen of .047 mil. wire diameter 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 if 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.

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

(11) WALLS.

(a) Walls on the exterior of the jail 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 jail 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.

(12) 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.

(13) DOORS AND LOCKS.

(a) Every door that leads to the exterior of the jail or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the jail shall have a threshold designed to prevent the introduction of contraband.

(b) Every door entering into the secure perimeter of the jail 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 an area within the secure perimeter of the jail and to allow observation of an area before entering it. If the vision panel has an opening in any direction in excess of 5 1/2 inches, the opening shall be covered with detention strength steel grills to prevent escape.

(c) In multiple cell sections, other than receiving cell sections, the mechanical means of emergency release may not be operated by key locks in the door or cells. The mechanical means of emergency release shall be operated by remote control located in an area not accessible to inmates.

(d) For receiving cells, the mechanical means of emergency release may be operated by key locks in the doors of cells.

(14) Access to controls. Inmates may not have access to plumbing, wiring, vents, thermostats, switches, or controls, except that inmates in dormitories may have limited control over lights, heating, radios, and televisions.

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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