WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Correction has experienced an influx of prisoners that has led to the spectre of prison overcrowding; and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware has embarked on an ambitious prison expansion program that should address long-term concerns about prison overcrowding; and
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon policymakers to find solutions to address the immediate problem of imminent prison overcrowding; and
WHEREAS, other states, including New Jersey, Arizona and Oregon, have devised alternative housing arrangements including, but not necessarily limited to, tents and trailers: and
WHEREAS, the employment of similar alternatives in Delaware could go a long way toward relieving the potential for overcrowding.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 138th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, with the approval of the Governor, that the Department of Correction is hereby directed to develop rules and regulations providing for alternative methods for housing prisoners.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Correction present its proposed rules and regulations to the Delaware General Assembly and to the Governor no later than February 15, 1997.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, upon passage of this Resolution. a suitable copy he presented to the Commissioner of the Department of Correction.