Page 43 - 2018 WCSO ANNUAL REPORT HTML5 ONLY
P. 43

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
   38   39   40   41   42   43   44   45   46   47   48