- (1) Applicability. This section applies only to youth detention facilities that are constructed or substantially remodeled on or after August 1, 2025.
(2) Furniture and fixtures. The following furniture and fixtures used in a facility shall be of detention-strength materials or be of secure type to ensure safety for staff and youth:
- (a) Benches.
- (b) Bolts.
- (c) Bunks.
- (d) Ceilings.
- (e) Clothing hooks.
- (f) Contraband proof thresholds.
- (g) Desks.
- (h) Door frames.
- (i) Door pulls.
- (j) Doors.
- (k) Drinking fountains.
- (L) Floor drains.
- (m) Food passes.
- (n) Glazing.
- (o) Grills over vents and windows.
- (p) Hinges.
- (q) Key cabinets.
- (r) Lights.
- (s) Locking mechanism housings.
- (t) Mirrors.
- (u) Observation ports.
- (v) Screws.
- (w) Seats.
- (x) Security doors.
- (y) Security locks.
- (z) Security screens.
- (za) Shelves.
- (zb) Shower doors.
- (zc) Showers.
- (zd) Skylights.
- (ze) Speaking ports.
- (zf) Sprinkler heads.
- (zg) Tables.
- (zh) Toilets.
- (zi) Urinals.
- (zj) Walls.
- (zk) Washbasins.
- (zL) Window frames.
- (zm) Windows.
(3) Youth housing.
(a) Sleeping rooms.
- 1. Except if par. (b) applies, each room shall be designed and used only for single occupancy.
- 2. Except if par. (b) applies, each room shall have a floor area of at least 35 square feet of unencumbered space. 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.
- 3. Each room shall have a bed.
(b) Double sleeping room.
- 1. A facility may use rooms for double occupancy.
- 2. Youth assigned to a double room shall meet the criteria under s. DOC 346.13 (1) (b).
3. Each double occupancy room shall have all of the following:
- a. Floor area of at least 50 square feet of unencumbered space. 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.
- b. A bed for each youth assigned to the room.
(c) Dormitories.
- 1. Youth assigned to a dormitory shall meet the criteria under s. DOC 346.13 (1) (b).
- 2. Each dormitory shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet of unencumbered space per youth assigned to the dormitory for sleeping purposes.
- 3. In addition, each dormitory shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet per youth assigned to the dormitory for the purpose of a dayroom.
- 4. Each dormitory shall have a floor to ceiling height of not less than 12 feet.
- 5. Each dayroom shall have tables and seating for the number of youth that have access to the dayroom.
- 6. A bed shall be provided for each youth assigned to the dormitory.
- 7. An area for personal property shall be provided for each youth assigned to the dormitory.
- 8. Each dormitory shall have toilets, washbasins, and showers for youth. Each dormitory shall have hot and cold running water.
- 9. All upper bunks shall be equipped with an anti-rollout plate.
(d) Dayrooms.
- 1. All sleeping rooms and dormitories shall have one or more dayrooms in their immediate vicinity that are accessible to youth.
- 2. Dayrooms shall provide a minimum of 35 square feet per youth that have access to the dayroom.
- 3. Each dayroom shall have tables and seating for the number of youth that have access to the dayroom.
(e) Toilets, washbasins, and showers.
1. The facility shall provide toilets, washbasins, and showers accessible for youth that meet all of the following conditions:
- a. The washbasin and toilet may be combined in one unit.
- b. The washbasin and shower shall have hot and cold running water.
- c. The washbasin area shall include a mirror that is not removable.
- 2. The number of toilets and showers provided shall be in compliance with the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code under chs. SPS 361 to 366.
- 3. Toilets and showers shall provide for individual privacy.
- (f) Lighting. Light fixtures shall provide at least 10 foot-candles of illumination, 30 inches above the floor. The facility shall have the ability to reduce lighting to allow for comfortable sleeping while remaining adequate for wellness checks.
(4) Receiving rooms.
- (a) All receiving rooms shall be designed and used for single occupancy.
- (b) Each receiving room shall have a floor area of at least 35 square feet of unencumbered space. 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 room shall have all of the following:
- 1. A bed.
- 2. A toilet and washbasin with hot and cold running water.
- 3. Light fixtures that provide at least 10 foot-candles of illumination, 30 inches above the floor. The facility shall have the ability to reduce lighting to allow for comfortable sleeping while remaining adequate for wellness checks.
(5) Holding rooms.
- (a) A holding room shall have a minimum floor area of 50 square feet for 5 or fewer occupants and an additional 10 square feet for each additional occupant.
(b) Each holding room shall have all of the following:
- 1. Seats or benches.
- 2. A toilet and washbasin with hot and cold running water.
- 3. Light fixtures that provide at least 10 foot-candles of illumination, 30 inches above the floor.
(6) Multipurpose rooms.
- (a) Each facility shall provide dedicated space for programming and services.
- (b) Multipurpose rooms shall be of sufficient size to accommodate a variety of programming and services and shall have a minimum combined floor area of 300 square feet.
(7) Classroom space.
- (a) Each facility shall provide dedicated classroom space to meet the educational needs of the youth population.
- (b) Classroom space shall be designed in conformity with any state and local educational requirements.
(8) Quiet space.
- (a) Each facility shall provide a dedicated quiet space that promotes a positive behavior adjustment opportunity for a youth.
- (b) The quiet space shall not be locked or used for discipline.
(9) Indoor recreation space.
- (a) Each facility shall provide a dedicated space for indoor exercise and recreation.
- (b) The indoor recreation space shall be of sufficient size to accommodate a variety of individual and group aerobic and large-muscle exercise activities and physical education.
(10) Outdoor recreation space.
- (a) Each facility shall provide a dedicated space for outdoor exercise and recreation to accommodate a variety of individual and group aerobic and large-muscle exercise activities and physical education.
(b) The space described in par. (a) must meet the following requirements:
- 1. Have a minimum of 70 square feet of unencumbered square feet per occupant.
- 2. Ensure the privacy of the youth.
- 3. Have a secure perimeter.
- 4. Have the ability to detect or deter contraband from entering the space.
(11) Healthcare space.
- (a) Each facility shall provide dedicated space for healthcare.
- (b) There shall be sufficient space, equipment, and supplies for the performance of health care services in a confidential manner.
- (12) Food service space. A facility that prepares meals on-site shall have dedicated food service space.
(13) Receiving space.
- (a) Each facility shall provide dedicated space for youth privacy during searches, showering, and processing.
- (b) There shall be sufficient space for storage of clothing and property.
- (14) Visitation space. Each facility shall provide dedicated visitation space.
(15) Exterior windows. Each window that leads to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the facility must meet all of the following requirements:
- (a) Have security glass of sufficient strength to resist breakage and maintain safety and security to prevent youth from harming themselves and others and to prevent escape.
- (b) Be mounted in a detention-strength frame and designed to prevent escape and the passage of contraband.
- (c) Prevent persons outside the secure perimeter from entering the facility or observing youth.
(16) Interior windows. Each window within the secure perimeter of the facility must meet all of the following requirements:
- (a) Have security glass of sufficient strength to resist breakage and maintain safety and security to prevent youth from harming themselves and others and to prevent escape.
- (b) Be mounted in a detention-strength frame and designed to prevent escape and the passage of contraband.
(17) Exterior doors and approaches.
- (a) Every door exit that leads to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter shall have detention-strength framing and a threshold designed to prevent the introduction of contraband.
- (b) Every door entering into the secure perimeter 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 facility and to allow observation of an area before entering it.
- (c) Each entry into and from the secure perimeter shall include a secure vestibule that promotes security by the use of 2 or more doors, with each door able to operate independently, used to contain and observe those who pass through the space.
- (d) The exterior of the facility and approaches to the facility shall be well lighted at night to permit observations of persons approaching the facility.
(18) Interior doors.
- (a) Every door in the secure perimeter shall be of detention strength.
- (b) Each of these doors shall have a means of observation to permit identification of individuals before they enter or exit.
(19) Walls.
- (a) Exterior walls shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or fully grouted concrete block of at least 8 inches thick, or the walls shall be constructed of materials of similar strength that provide equivalent security.
- (b) Interior walls 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 that provide equivalent security.
- (c) Interior walls between youth housing areas shall be constructed tight to the structure.
- (20) Ceilings. Ceilings shall be constructed of high-impact detention-strength materials that are escape resistant, resist damage or breakage to prevent youth from harming themselves and others, and prevent passage of contraband.
- (21) Access to controls. Youth shall not have unauthorized access to plumbing, wiring, vents, thermostats, or facility controls. Any youth accessible outlets shall be under facility control.
(22) Natural light.
- (a) All youth housing areas shall provide youth with access to natural light.
- (b) Artificial light may not be used as an alternative to the natural light requirements pursuant to the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, chs. SPS 361 to 366.
- (23) Intercom. Two-way audio communication capability shall be provided between any remotely controlled door and its control point.
History
History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25; correction in (3) (e) (title) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register July 2025 No. 835.