Chapter DOC 346

DOC 346.10(8)(b)3. 3. Detention-strength light fixtures that provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a nightlight to allow for comfortable sleeping. There shall be enough illumination for observation of juveniles during security checks.

DOC 346.10(8)(b)4. 4. A minimum floor area of 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.

DOC 346.10(8)(c) (c) Receiving cells are not included in determining the rated capacity of a facility.

DOC 346.10(8)(d) (d) Juveniles may not be held in a receiving cell for more than 72 continuous hours.

DOC 346.10(9) (9) Natural lighting. Cells under subs. (3) and (4) and dormitories under sub. (5) shall be provided with natural light in accordance with the International Building Code, s. 1204, as adopted by the department of safety and professional services under s. SPS 361.05 (1). Artificial light may not be used as an alternative to the natural light requirements under the International Building Code.

DOC 346.10(10) (10) Exterior windows.

DOC 346.10(10)(a) (a) This subsection applies to all windows that lead to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the facility.

DOC 346.10(10)(b) (b) All exterior windows shall be translucent or shall be located to prevent persons outside the secure perimeter of the facility from observing juveniles within the facility.

DOC 346.10(10)(c) (c) Each exterior window that has an opening in any direction in excess of 51/2 inches shall be covered with security steel grills to prevent escape.

DOC 346.10(10)(d) (d) If an exterior window is accessible to juveniles 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.

DOC 346.10(10)(e) (e) If an exterior window is not accessible to juveniles and opens, 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.

DOC 346.10(10)(f) (f) If an exterior window does not open, whether or not it is accessible to juveniles, 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.

DOC 346.10(11) (11) Showers. There shall be at least one shower for every 8 juveniles. There shall be an adequate supply of hot and cold water so that juveniles shall be permitted to shower on a daily basis.

DOC 346.10(12) (12) Multi-purpose space. Facilities shall contain multi-purpose space which shall have a minimum of 300 square feet of floor area or provide 35 square feet of floor area for the maximum number of juveniles expected to use the space at one time, whichever is greater.

DOC 346.10(13) (13) Classroom space. For juvenile detention facilities that are constructed or substantially remodeled after November 1, 2010, there shall be classroom space designed in conformity with local or state educational requirements.

DOC 346.10(14) (14) Health care area. If medical or dental services are provided in the facility, there shall be sufficient space, equipment, supplies and materials for the performance of primary health care delivery in a confidential and private manner. The superintendent shall consult with the health care provider to determine the adequacy of the space, equipment, supplies, and materials.

DOC 346.10(15) (15) Outdoor recreation space.

DOC 346.10(15)(a) (a) If provided, there shall be a minimum of 70 square feet of outdoor recreational space per occupant.

DOC 346.10(15)(b) (b) The operational plan under s. DOC 346.07 shall contain policies and procedures for the safe and secure use of outdoor recreational space.

DOC 346.10(16) (16) Storage space.

DOC 346.10(16)(a) (a) Sufficient space shall be provided in the facility to store and issue clothing, bedding, cleaning supplies, and other items for daily operations.

DOC 346.10(16)(b) (b) Space shall be provided for storing the personal property of juveniles safely and securely.

DOC 346.10(17) (17) Visiting space. Sufficient space for visitation shall be provided.

DOC 346.10 History History: CR 24-065: cr. Register July 2025 No. 835, eff. 8-1-25; correction in (4) (c) (intro.) made under s. 35.17, Stats. Register July 2025 No. 835.

DOC 346.11 DOC 346.11 Physical environment of juvenile detention facilities constructed on or after October 1, 1994, but prior to November 1, 2010.

DOC 346.11(1) (1) Applicability. This section applies only to juvenile detention facilities that are constructed on or after October 1, 1994 but prior to November 1, 2010.

DOC 346.11(2) (2) Juvenile housing.

DOC 346.11(2)(a) (a) Each juvenile shall have a separate bunk or bed in a cell that meets the requirements of sub. (3) or (4) or in a dormitory that meets the requirements of sub. (5). A facility may not exceed its rated bed capacity.

DOC 346.11(2)(b) (b) The total number of juveniles housed in double cells under sub. (4) and in dormitories under sub. (5) may not exceed 75% of the rated bed capacity of the facility.

DOC 346.11(3) (3) Cells.

DOC 346.11(3)(a) (a) Except if sub. (4) applies, all cells for juveniles in a facility shall be designated and used for single occupancy only.

DOC 346.11(3)(b) (b) Except if sub. (4) applies, cells shall have minimum floor area of 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.

DOC 346.11(3)(c) (c) Except if sub. (4) applies, each cell shall contain a rigidly constructed metal bed with the frame bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor.

DOC 346.11(3)(d) (d) Mattresses and pillows shall be available where there is need for overnight detention.

DOC 346.11(3)(d)1. 1. Mattresses and pillows shall be made of fire-resistant material, shall be covered with fire retardant, waterproof, and easy-to-sanitize material, and shall be kept in good repair.

DOC 346.11(3)(d)2. 2. Suppliers of mattresses and pillows shall provide information giving evidence of the fire retardant and waterproof capabilities of their product.

DOC 346.11(3)(d)3. 3. Mattresses shall be at least 3 inches in thickness and be of proper size to fit the bunks or beds.

DOC 346.11(3)(e) (e) An unbreakable, institution-type mirror shall be provided in each cell.

DOC 346.11(3)(f) (f) A detention-strength, metal, institution-type wash basin and toilet shall be provided in each cell. The wash basin and toilet may be combined in one unit. The wash basin shall have hot and cold running water.

DOC 346.11(3)(g) (g) A rigidly constructed shelf-type table and seat that are bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor shall be provided in each cell.

DOC 346.11(3)(h) (h) Except if sub. (4) applies, 2 or more non-removable, collapsible, detention-strength clothing and towel hooks shall be provided in each cell.

DOC 346.11(3)(i) (i) All facilities shall have a system for emergency unlocking of individual or all cell doors from a single point outside the confinement area.

DOC 346.11(3)(j) (j) There shall be no exposed heating pipes, radiators, or controls in cells.

DOC 346.11(3)(k) (k) Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a nightlight to allow for comfortable sleeping. There shall be enough illumination for observation of juveniles during security checks.

DOC 346.11(4) (4) Double celling.

DOC 346.11(4)(a) (a) A secure detention facility may use cells for double occupancy. This section does not apply to a juvenile portion of a county jail.

DOC 346.11(4)(b) (b) If, based on all criteria under s. DOC 346.13, a secure detention facility determines that placement of a juvenile in a double cell may jeopardize the health or safety of the juvenile, other juveniles in the facility, staff or the community, the juvenile may not be placed in a double cell. If, based on all the criteria under s. DOC 346.13, a secure detention facility determines that placement of 2 particular juveniles in a double cell may jeopardize the health or safety of either juvenile, other juveniles in the facility, staff or the community, those juveniles may not be placed together in the double cell.

DOC 346.11(4)(c) (c) In addition to the requirements for single occupancy cells under subs. (2) and (3) and before a cell may be used for double occupancy, all of the following conditions shall be met:

DOC 346.11(4)(c)1. 1. ‘Minimum floor area.’

DOC 346.11(4)(c)1.a. a. In secure detention facilities that are constructed or substantially remodeled on or after October 1, 1994, a cell shall have a minimum floor area of 70 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.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)1.b. b. In secure detention facilities that were constructed before October 1, 1994, and have not been substantially remodeled after October 1, 1994, a cell shall have a minimum floor area of 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.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)2. 2. ‘Receiving cells.’ Receiving cells may not be used for double occupancy.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)3. 3. ‘Single occupancy cells.’ Each secure detention facility shall maintain a minimum of 2 cells which are designed and used for single occupancy only.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)4. 4. ‘Double occupancy cells.’ A secure detention facility may not exceed 75 percent double occupancy of the total number of cells, excluding receiving cells and holding rooms.

DOC 346.11(4)(c)5. 5. ‘Clothing hooks.’ Each cell shall contain a minimum of two nonremovable, collapsible, detention-strength clothing and towel hooks for each occupant.

DOC 346.11(5) (5) Dormitories.

DOC 346.11(5)(a) (a) A secure detention facility may use dormitories in addition to cells for the secure detention of juveniles. Each dormitory shall be designed for a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 juveniles. If a secure detention facility contains one dormitory, it shall have a minimum of 2 cells designed and used for single occupancy. If more than one dormitory is built, the number of dormitory beds may not exceed 50 percent of the rated bed capacity of the secure detention facility.

DOC 346.11(5)(b) (b) If, based on all the criteria under s. DOC 346.13, a secure detention facility determines that placement of a juvenile in a dormitory may jeopardize the health or safety of the juvenile, other juveniles in the facility, staff or the community, the juvenile may not be placed in a dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c) (c) Each dormitory shall have all of the following:

DOC 346.11(5)(c)1. 1. A minimum combined sleeping area and adjacent day room space of 70 square feet per juvenile based on rated bed capacity of the dormitory, excluding toilets, showers, and lavatories.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)2. 2. A minimum floor to ceiling height of 8 feet.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)3. 3. Non-locking doors on sleeping rooms, if separate sleeping rooms are provided.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)4. 4. Unrestricted, physical access to the day room, lavatories, and toilets.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)5. 5. A rigidly constructed metal bed with the frame bracketed to the wall or bolted to the floor for each juvenile based on the rated bed capacity of the dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)6. 6. Detention-strength wash basins and toilets.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)7. 7. Unbreakable, detention-strength mirrors sufficient for the number of juveniles confined.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)8. 8. Detention-strength tables and seating in the day room based on the rated bed capacity of the dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)9. 9. Two nonremovable, collapsible, detention-strength clothing and towel hooks for each juvenile confined based on the rated bed capacity of the dormitory.

DOC 346.11(5)(c)10. 10. Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor. Lights shall have a dimming capability or there shall be a nightlight to allow for comfortable sleeping. There shall be enough illumination for observation of juveniles during security checks.

DOC 346.11(6) (6) Day room. Each day room shall have a minimum floor area of 35 square feet for each juvenile based on the rated bed capacity of the adjacent group of cells. In addition, each day room shall have a minimum of 70 square feet of unobstructed floor area.

DOC 346.11(6)(a) (a) There shall be no exposed heating pipes, radiators, or controls.

DOC 346.11(6)(b) (b) Light fixtures shall be detention strength and shall provide at least 30 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor.

DOC 346.11(6)(c) (c) There shall be adequate furnishings and equipment for leisure time activities as required under this chapter.

DOC 346.11(6)(d) (d) The day room shall have detention-strength tables and seating based on the rated bed capacity of the adjacent cells.

DOC 346.11(7) (7) Showers. There shall be at least one shower for every 8 persons and an adequate supply of hot and cold water so that all juveniles may shower every day.

DOC 346.11(8) (8) Multi-purpose space. Facilities shall contain multi-purpose space that shall have a minimum of 300 square feet of floor area or provide 35 square feet of floor area for the maximum number of juveniles expected to use the space at one time, whichever is greater.

DOC 346.11(9) (9) Exterior windows.

DOC 346.11(9)(a) (a) This subsection applies to all windows that lead to the exterior of the facility or to an area outside the secure perimeter of the facility.

DOC 346.11(9)(b) (b) All exterior windows shall be translucent or shall be located to prevent persons outside the secure perimeter of the facility from observing juveniles within the facility.

DOC 346.11(9)(c) (c) Each exterior window that has an opening in any direction in excess of 5 ½ inches shall be covered with security steel grills to prevent escape.

DOC 346.11(9)(d) (d) If an exterior window is accessible to juveniles 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.

DOC 346.11(9)(e) (e) If an exterior window is not accessible to juveniles 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.

DOC 346.11(9)(f) (f) If an exterior window does not open, whether or not it is accessible to juveniles, 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.

DOC 346.11(10) (10) Receiving cells.

DOC 346.11(10)(a) (a) All receiving cells shall be designed and used for single occupancy.

DOC 346.11(10)(b) (b) Each receiving cell shall have a minimum floor area of 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.

DOC 346.11(10)(c) (c) Each receiving cell shall have all of the following:

DOC 346.11(10)(c)1. 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 similar strength.

DOC 346.11(10)(c)2. 2. A detention-strength, metal, institution-type wash basin and toilet. The wash basin and toilet may be combined in one unit. The wash basin shall have hot and cold running water.