Page 43 - 2018 WCSO ANNUAL REPORT HTML5 ONLY
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Each inmate who is lodged into the jail is assessed and
assigned a classification level. This level signifies to staff any
safety or security risks with an individual inmate. Inmates
are grouped based on classification level and housed in jail
pods with peers who have similar needs. Most pods house
up to 60 inmates and function as its own community where
inmates reside together, eat meals together and proceed
through daily routines such as educational programs,
recreational time or cleaning activities.
In 2005, deputies began to work with classifications staff,
mental health, programs and medical to evaluate inmates
who required the most care. Due to physical or mental
restrictions, this innovative group ultimately decided it
would be safer to house particularly vulnerable inmates
together in one housing area. The cadre of staff assigned
to work with this special needs pod held ongoing meetings
About 190 certified and civilian and trainings to assess inmate needs, explore solutions,
staff members work to run the watch for patterns or trends and monitor the impact of the
Washington County Jail. Every new housing situation.
day they provide services to The results were very promising. Within 6 months of
approximately 572 inmates, as well inception, the group found medication compliance (regular
as the many attorneys, friends, and willingness to take prescribed medications) had increased
family members who visit them. In as well as instances of inmate on inmate assault decreased.
addition to those lodged in our jail, This approach was one of the first of its kind for a jail and
we process over 50 new bookings provided important stability to vulnerable inmates.
and releases daily.
Throughout the years this pod has evolved to integrate
creative strategies to help inmates stay successful during
their time in jail. Yoga, meditation and other forms of art
therapy have been integrated into inmate activities. Specially
trained staff continue to work with the special population
housed in this pod and are committed to providing a safe,
secure and supportive environment.
“Almost every inmate we see will eventually return to the community. We do our
best to help them return healthier than when they came in. Dedicated medical,
mental health and life skill program staff work daily with deputies to provide
comprehensive care to inmates which ultimately improves the safety and security
of everyone in the jail.”
- CHIEF DEPUTY JOHN KOCH

