The Central Men’s and Central Women’s Jail opened in November of 1968 and are traditional linear style (cell block and dormitory) facilities which house both sentenced and pre-trial maximum security inmates. The Central Men’s Jail houses 1428 inmates and Central Women’s Jail houses 386 inmates.
Inmates have access to television, outdoor recreation, local newspapers, mail, commissary purchases (minor grocery store food items and sundries), and special programs. Inmates also receive medical, mental health, and dental care. Religious services, vocational, and educational programs are also offered. Public visiting is also available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays each week. Sentenced inmates may be eligible to perform work in the facility kitchen or labor crews and receive “work-time” credits to reduce their sentences. Eligible inmates may qualify for the Community Work Program or Electronic Monitoring Program.
The Central Men’s Jails is the home to “CJ1”, a dedicated courtroom for arraignments which is located inside security. It is a productive partnership between the Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Public Defender.