In 2005, Grace Hebert Curtis Architects designed one of the most modern, high-functioning justice facilities in the country: Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility. Shortly after, when Hurricane Katrina displaced nearly 6,000 incarcerated people, the then-brand-new Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility accelerated its opening timeline to house 500 inmates of varying need and classification, working almost perfectly from day one.

The new maximum-security facility shares a campus with an existing 600-bed medium-security facility, a 250-bed minimum-security facility and a 100-bed work release center also owned by the parish. It was originally built to address Bossier Parish’s own growing correctional needs and replaced an overcrowded and outdated 1970s-era facility located on the fifth floor of the local courthouse.

During the design process, Grace Hebert Curtis Architects developed a complete computer model of the facility and worked alongside Bossier Parish correctional officials to determine the ideal level of visual supervision, integrating feedback and making necessary adjustments. The result is a simple but highly effective structure that features open lines of sight and functions exactly as intended.

The facility is also outfitted with a wireless communication system that allowed Bossier Parish to save money during construction. Additional amenities include a full commercial kitchen, laundry, booking and administration areas. A well-equipped medical unit meets the care needs of inmates in all facilities operated by the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The project also introduced the now-common concept of video visitation as a way to limit the introduction of contraband into the facility. The video visitation area is located in a separate building to further increase security. Inmates can participate in video visitation sessions directly from their housing pods.