The Washington Correctional Institute (WCI) is a medium security facility located on a 1,025-acre site in Washington Parish. The facility, which opened in 1983, has a maximum capacity of 1,104 inmates, who must be eligible for release within 20 years. This Executive Budget recommends an increase in capacity to 1,212. Inmates are housed predominantly in four dormitories; a fifth unit is a maximum custody working cellblock housing 108 inmates. The WCI received American Correctional Association accreditation in August 1993 and was released from the federal consent decree in 1997.

The mission of Washington Correctional Institute is to provide for the custody, control, care, and treatment of each inmate assigned to that facility through compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of programs that provide a public service and those designed to reintegrate inmates into society while ensuring the safety of the public.

The goals of Washington Correctional Institute are:

1. Maximize public safety through appropriate and effective custodial and supervisory programs.
2. Provide for the safety of correctional staff and inmates by maintaining an organized and disciplined system of operations that promotes stability in institutional and other field operations.
3. Ensure that basic services relating to adequate food, clothing, medical care, and shelter are provided to the inmate population.
4. Provide an environment that enables behavior change by making rehabilitative opportunities available for inmates who demonstrate motivation for change and the desire to participate in rehabilitative programs.

The Washington Correctional Institute has four programs: Administration, Incarceration, Rehabilitation, and Health Services.

BUDGET SUMMARY

This agency's recommended appropriation includes $137,230 for short-term debt, including Lease Purchase agreements.

In addition to the above recommended appropriation, $916,343 will be paid in Fiscal Year 1999-2000 for long-term debt incurred on behalf of this agency from the previous sale of bonds. Total long-term debt service payments for the state for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 are reflected in the Governor's Executive Budget Supporting Document in Non-Appropriated Requirements, Schedule 22-922.

This agency's recommended appropriation also includes the following amount by means of financing for payments on the unfunded accrued liability of the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System in accordance with the provisions of Article X, Section 29 of the Constitution of Louisiana:

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