Jail Division

The Jail Administrative Division of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in the management and operation of the county jail, ensuring that the facility adheres to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This division is responsible for overseeing all administrative aspects of the jail, including budget management, staff training, and the implementation of policies that promote the welfare and security of both incarcerated persons and staff. The team works diligently to streamline operations, maintain accurate records, and ensure that all legal and ethical standards are met in the daily running of the jail. Their commitment to excellence in administration is vital in sustaining a secure, humane, and well-managed correctional environment, which is fundamental to the broader mission of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

The Jail Operations Division at the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the intake, housing and release of all incarcerated persons at the Monterey County Jail which encompasses both the Main Jail and the Rehabilitation Facility. The Division also includes the Classification Unit. The County Jail houses sentenced and unsentenced male and female incarcerated persons.

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. The Detention Division receives prisoners and incarcerated persons 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 incarcerated persons. Approximately 1100 incarcerated persons are housed in 31 separate housing units that range from single cells to open dormitory settings.

Sentenced incarcerated persons 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 work, 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 incarcerated persons are held in a secured housing unit and do not participate in work crews. Sentenced incarcerated persons 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 incarcerated person population. Persons interested in volunteering at the jail must complete our Civilian Volunteer Application and submit it our Profession Standards Division.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Jail Programs Division serves as a liaison to the families, community, and others stakeholders needing assistance with information about incarcerated individuals at the Monterey County Jail. Additionally, the Corrections Ombudsman oversees the inmate grievance tracking and response system, answers requests from incarcerated persons, attorneys and families, coordinates responses to incarcerated persons, family, or community complaints.

The Jail Support Services Division of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office is integral to the rehabilitation and welfare of incarcerated persons within the county jail. This division is dedicated to providing a range of critical services that address both the immediate and long-term needs of the incarcerated population, including substance abuse treatment programs and various educational and vocational training opportunities. The focus on substance abuse treatment involves comprehensive programs designed to reduce dependency, address underlying issues, and prepare incarcerated persons for reintegration into society.

Additionally, the division's training initiatives equip incarcerated persons with valuable skills and certifications that can aid in their transition post-release, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism and help individuals lead productive lives. Through these efforts, the Jail Support Services Division not only enhances the safety and operation of the jail but also contributes positively to the community by fostering rehabilitation and personal growth among incarcerated persons.