About This Division

The Detention Division is responsible for the intake, housing and release of all inmates at the Monterey County Jail which encompasses both the Main Jail and Rehabilitation Facility. The Division also includes the Classification Unit.

The County Jail houses sentenced and unsentenced male and female inmates. 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 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.

Approximately 1100 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 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 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. Persons interested in volunteering at the jail must complete a Corrections Operations Bureau Volunteer Referral Form and submit it to the Chief Deputy of the Corrections Operations Bureau.

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