The Detention Division falls under the Custody Operations Bureau. The Custody Operations Bureau has another division, the Court Services Division, and both are commanded by Chief Ray McLaughlin and Captain Pat Hunton, along with five commanders and nineteen sergeants. At full staff, one hundred and forty four deputies and forty-five professional staff are assigned to the Custody Operations Bureau.

Detention Division:
This Division is responsible for the intake, housing and release of all inmates. The Detention Division is better known as the County Jail and encompasses the main jail and the rehabilitation facility. The County Jail houses sentenced and unsentenced male and female inmates.

The Detention Division is virtually a small city. There is an infirmary with in-house medical, psychiatric and dental staff. There is an on-site full-scale laundry, professional kitchen, library, commissary services, building maintenance shop, and a chapel.

During 2006, 13,890 people were processed or “booked” for criminal charges. The Detention Division receives prisoners and inmates from all police agencies in the county; from the California Department of Corrections for parole violations, the Probation Department for probation violations, and the Superior Court of California (County of Monterey), once the individual is sentenced.

The processing of those incarcerated is accomplished with the use of Iris Scan, digital imaging and digital fingerprint scanning. This equipment ensures fast and precise identification of persons arrested by electronically transmitting fingerprints to the Department of Justice in Sacramento. All bookings are computerized. A limited video arraignment program and the use of video conferencing reduce the security risks and cost of transporting inmates.

The approximately 1166 inmates are housed in 31 separate housing units that range from single cells to open dormitory settings. Sentenced inmates reside in open dormitories and provide manpower for work crews for the facility. Work crews inside the facility are used for things such as kitchen workers, cleaning, and general maintenance. Work crews are also sent outside the facility for basic grounds keeping around the Sheriff’s Office and for litter pick-up along highways and roads throughout Monterey County. Unsentenced inmates are held in a secured housing unit and do not participate in work crews. Sentenced inmates have access to a variety of programs that include educational and vocational classes, religious services, library services, and drug and alcohol programs. Over 250 volunteers support and work with the inmate population.

Classification Unit - This Unit is responsible for the evaluation and placement of inmates in housing areas with inmates of similar backgrounds and characteristics in order to maintain the security of the facility and the safety of inmates and staff. Classification evaluation is based on criminal sophistication, seriousness of crime charged, presence or absence of assaultive behavior, age, and other criteria that may impact the safety of the prisoners and staff. At least 30 percent of the jail population is affiliated with a major gang. Approximately 15 percent of the population requires medication due to psychiatric illnesses. Housing unit assignments based on classification is accomplished, to the extent possible, given the availability of distinct housing units or cells in the County Jail. The Unit is also responsible for developing gang intelligence, follow-up investigations, and assisting outside agencies, as needed.

C.E.R.T. – The Correctional Emergency Response Team was developed to respond to major emergencies within the Custody Operations Bureau. The team handles cell extractions, inmate uprisings, and emergency situations that may arise in the jail or rehabilitation facility, and assists the Court Services Division as needed. The C.E.R.T. is also utilized by the Enforcement Operations Bureau and outside county agencies for crowd control. The C.E.R.T. consists of one Commander, two Sergeants and sixteen Deputies.

Facility Training Program – In addition to mandated academy/school training, all Deputies assigned to the Custody Operations Bureau complete a supervised in-house training program with a training officer. During 2006, 23 new Deputies, two Sergeants, two Commanders, five Corrections Specialist, two Senior Inmate Services Specialists, four Inmate Services Specialists, one Sheriff Cook II and mail Clerk were hired or promoted in the Custody Operations Bureau.

The Explorer Post – Membership includes volunteer advisors and Law Enforcement Explorers (Post 211). This is a directed youth program that prepares the participants for a future in law enforcement. Participation in the program helps shape the Explorers into becoming responsible individuals. The Explorers are trained in the duties of law enforcement and the functions of the Sheriff’s Office. The Explorer Post works special events and performs service projects in the local communities. Custody Operations Bureau supports this program with one commander, four deputies and one professional staff member as advisors.
 

View the Inmate Visitation Schedule.

The inmate mailing address is:
The inmate's name
Booking number,
P.O. Box 809
Salinas, CA. 93906.