Confinement

More than half of the inmates in the Adult Detention Center are housed in direct supervision blocks.

Direct supervision is for minimum-security inmates. Deputies work inside the cell block with the inmates 24-hours a day, without any separation from them. This concept provides for active and continuous supervision to better manage those inmates who have less serious offenses. In addition, direct supervision creates a more positive environment and reduces the stress level on both deputies and inmates. The cells are roomier and each has a window.

With linear housing, the deputy’s post is centrally located in the corridor. Deputies monitor inmates by patrolling down the corridor. Each floor has numerous cell blocks that house up to five inmates. All of the cells in the block open up to a dayroom. This type of housing is for medium-security inmates.

Podular supervision is for maximum security inmates. There are four units, also called pods, two per floor. A pod has five sections, each holding up to 20 inmates. The cells in these five sections are arranged around a common area or dayroom. The deputy is separated from the inmates in a secure control booth with a 365-degree view of the entire floor and all five pods.

Single cells allow for intense supervision of inmates who have special needs. Deputies monitor inmates by patrolling corridors, which are arranged in a manner similar to linear supervision.

Deputies at the booking desk create an inmate record in a web-based jail management system. The record can be updated later by staff in different operational areas of the ADC that interact with and evaluate the inmate. Inmates are fingerprinted and photographed during the booking process. They are asked a series of questions, including their emergency contact information and whether they have any physical or mental health issues.

Critical to the operation of the Adult Detention Center is the maintenance of records for all inmates currently held or recently released. The Inmate Records Section provides quality assurance for the booking desk so that inmates are held on the correct charges and properly released in a timely manner. They ensure that documents from an inmate’s court hearings reflect the orders of the presiding judge. They also calculate time credit for inmates in accordance with state law and agency policy.

Jails and prisons across the country use a classification system to reach decisions about the processing, housing and categorizing of inmates. The classification process begins with the initial interview once an individual is booked into the ADC. This interview provides insight into the inmate’s past jail experience, medical and mental health history, overall demeanor and cooperation. Based on these factors and criminal charges, the inmate is then placed in a housing location best suited for his or her incarceration.

Deputies transport inmates to and from medical appointments, mental health facilities and other correctional facilities throughout Virginia.

They also transport individuals under Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs) to mental health facilities, often two to three hours away. Deputies assigned to the section are Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified.

The Transportation Section executes Emergency Custody Orders (ECO) on individuals being released from the ADC (either on bond or after time served) when clinicians determine that they are likely to harm themselves or others or are not capable of caring for themselves upon release.

Deputies assigned to recreation maintain constant supervision of inmates participating in gym recreation, the outside courtyard and while in transit to and from housing areas.