Martinez Detention Facility (MDF)

Since its opening in 1981, the MDF has become a model for future detention facilities and a regional resource center for the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). Professionals have come from all over the world to tour and study this facility.

In 1984, the advisory board of the NIC formally endorsed the direct supervision/non-barrier approach to correctional facility design and operation for jurisdictions contemplating construction or renovation of prisons and jails. The MDF is a leader in this area and serves as a model for others.

The Martinez Detention Facility was built to house pre-sentenced and sentenced inmates not qualifying for less restrictive environments. This facility houses the Bureau Commander and support personnel for the entire Division. Also, direction for the Custody Alternative Unit originates from this building.

West County Detention Facility (WCDF)

Opened in 1991, this is the newest of the Detention facilities. The WCDF is a direct supervision, medium-security, new generation jail designed to:

Operate as a coeducational, program-oriented facility. Serve as an intake and pre-trial facility. Serve those sentenced inmates who do not qualify for the county's other sentenced facilities as well as 'special needs' populations. This site houses an average of 620 inmates within the confines of five housing units, four for males and one for females, with separate recreation areas. The grounds also contain individual courtyards, library facilities and a chaplain program. Inmates have the ability to leave the housing units for classes, doctor's appointments or scheduled visits. Deputies patrol the double-fenced perimeter on bicycles.

WCDF is in the process of implementing an inmate industry program based on engraving. The program coordinator, a contract civilian employee, will train and supervise the inmates. Engraving will mostly be building signs, plaques, plastic name badges, etc. The finished products will be sold to local, city and county government agencies and non-profit groups. Efforts are aimed at not competing with the private sector. Limited profits would be used to pay for materials, the machinery and the salary of the program coordinator. Inmates will be compensated by learning a valuable trade and, if they are productive, will receive a certificate of achievement from the Office of the Sheriff.

Marsh Creek Detention Facility (MCDF)

This facility is frequently referred to as the 'Farm' because of its rural location. It bears the responsibility for the care, custody and control of sentenced male inmates serving up to one year of county time. MCDF is a minimum-security facility with a housing capacity of 300. The average inmate population is 250.

Over two-thirds of the inmates participate in a variety of educational/training opportunities offered at MCDF. Available classes are as follows:

Orientation (describes the school program and discusses school rules with each student)
Computer Applications
Job Development
D.E.U.C.E. (Substance Abuse, Anger & Stress Management)
Landscaping
Wood Shop
Adult Basic Education (reading, writing and mathematics plus preparation for GED or High School Diploma obtainment) Classes are three hours long, with two sessions offered each day. The DEUCE Program consists of 60 class days to complete all three phases. Students are not required to complete to participate. In Job Development class, they can receive a certificate of participation after 20 class days. In the computer classroom, students work at their own pace and can earn certificates in various applications, including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. An effort is made to instruct inmates in programs that are frequently used in the business world thus enhancing their marketability once released.

Toys are the main products of the MCDF Wood Shop, beautiful toys that rival what you would see in a craft shop. Results of student skill and labor include cradles, doll houses, rocking horses, trucks and trains among others. Students not only create, but also help design these toys. In addition, donated bicycles are refurbished. All these items are given to organizations such as homeless shelters, social services and Toys for Tots at Christmas time.

The Department’s handgun range is also located on the grounds of the MCDF. Plans are underway to develop the range, with the goal of better serving our officers and hence the public. Prior to recent modifications, the range area was analogous to a barren wasteland. Its appearance has been improved immensely via plants, trees and fresh coats of paint. More importantly, additional practice sites have been added to increase officer competency to a new level. A series of range fields focus on building different skills, such as decision making and accuracy.