EFFECT OF JOS CUSTODIAL CENTRE CONGESTION AND SECURITY ARCHITECTURE IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Correctional Institution congestion is often identified as the cause of inmate ill health and misconduct and of post release recidivism. Congestion can be measured objectively in several ways, in terms of floor space per Inmate, Inmates per living unit, and institutional population relative to stated capacity. The major objective of this study is to address why Inmates are housed in large, open bay dormitories in Jos Custodial Centre. The Significance of the Study will therefore, explain the dynamics of the Effect of Jos Custodial Centre congestion and Security Architecture of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State Nigeria. The findings on this study is that, Inmates housed in large, open bay dormitories are more likely to visit clinics and also have high blood pressure than Inmates in other housing arrangements (single-bunked cells, double-bunked cells, small dormitories, large partitioned dormitories). Inmates in dormitories have higher assault rates than other Inmates. The study adopted Re- Integrated Theory and the Administrative Control Theory. The study therefore recommends that government should embark on a programme of Correctional Institution expansion to avoid congestion. Considering the encompassing merits of Restorative Justice, there is an urgent need to officially integrate this alternative to incarceration intervention programme into the Nigerian legal system, as this will go a long way in decongesting the seemingly overpopulated Jos Custodial Centre.