2023 WCSO Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 20
MANAGING WASHINGTON
COUNTY’S ONLY JAIL
Managing the only jail in a county with over 616,000 residents presents
unique challenges. The safety and security of everyone inside the jail
require a thoughtful approach and quality care. Our dedicated jail staff
works tirelessly around the clock to ensure Washington County’s Jail is a
safe and secure environment for the public, staff, and adults in custody.
The first jail in the area was built in 1853. Over the course of 170 years
and four jail facilities, our jail staff takes pride in their dedication and
compassion. In addition to processing the county’s bookings and releases
daily, the jail also houses individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences of
less than 365 days.
Visitors often express surprise at how different the jail is compared to
depictions in TV shows or movies. The Washington County Sheriff’s
Office Jail is a comprehensive system designed to prioritize safety, where
individuals are well cared for and receive extensive medical care, mental
health services, education, work experience, and other life improvement
and pro-social programs.
Challenges in Jail Management
Staffing - The Washington County Jail has the
second smallest number of beds per 1,000
residents among all Oregon counties. With a
capacity of 572 beds, the jail has operated with
only 388 available beds for most of 2023 due to
staffing shortages. Despite limited capacity, the
jail facilitated 14,093 bookings in the same year.
Evolving Needs of the Jail Population - Over
recent years, the population of adults in custody
has undergone significant changes. Many
individuals in custody require critical stabilizing
services for substance abuse, as well as mental
or behavioral health issues. Additionally,
court processes have slowed down due to the
pandemic, resulting in a higher percentage of
dangerous adults in custody.
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Stabilizing Services - The Washington County
Jail plays a crucial role in the justice system
and community safety. As the population
served by the jail continues to require essential
stabilizing services to improve their health and
successfully transition back to the community,
services in our community to support those
with mental illness and substance use disorder
continue to be insufficient. The jail strives to
reduce recidivism by providing education and
programs tailored to meet the needs of adults in
custody.
As we continue to manage Washington
County’s only jail, we actively strategize and
plan to stay ahead of the ongoing challenges
and evolving needs of individuals in our
custody. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to
ensure that we provide essential services and
programs that support successful reintegration
into the community while enhancing overall
public safety. To learn more about our proactive
approach and how you can support our
initiatives, please visit our website or contact
our office. Together, we are building a safer,
stronger community for all.
