Corrections Bureau
The structure of the Corrections Bureau is made up of the five Jail Divisions: Jail Processing, Jail Housing, Jail Programs, Jail Security, and Jail Support. It is the largest Bureau in the Sheriff's Office with approximately 515 sworn allocations and 351 civilian allocations. The Bureau is responsible for all functions related to the safe incarceration of County prisoners.
The Administrative Lieutenants, currently Lt. Avery Houskeeper and Lt. Michael DeNiro, report directly to the Corrections Bureau Chief Deputy and are responsible for many functions within the Corrections Bureau, to include: managing Government Records Access Management (GRAMA), issues for individuals incarcerated in our facility; media inquiries, statistical data, and act as liaisons for various entities associated with the Correction Bureau.
Watch Commanders, Lt. Pamela Lofgreen and Lt. Javier Gonzalez, also report directly to the Corrections Bureau Chief Deputy. They oversee and coordinate operations at the Jail along with the activities of Sheriff's Office staff members between the hours of 5:30 pm and 7:00 am.
Managing a large group of employees is a task equally as complex as managing the prisoner population. Thus, the Corrections Bureau is committed to the hiring and retention of qualified individuals that possess such qualities as integrity and professionalism. We are attentively researching ways to recruit and retain the highest caliber of individuals for this rewarding career. It takes a unique skill set in order to successfully perform the various duties of a Correctional Officer. Click on the following link for more information- Brochure and Application for Correctional Officer
Each year the Corrections Bureau strives to establish goals, along with its Divisions, and look for ways to improve the standards and operations of the facility. The introduction of contraband into the Jail is always a major concern. Although, we use all of the legal searching authority available, we continue to research new technologies.
Given the legal environment in which the Corrections Bureau operates, maintaining up-to-date policies is vital to demonstrating constitutional practices. The Jail Policy Advisory Committee (JPAC), consisting of representatives of each Division, and specifically including line staff members, identifies and proposes policy changes to the Bureau command. The District Attorney's Office also involved with the committee to provide legal research and insight.
Jail beds are costly, but a necessary resource for managing criminal offenders. The Corrections Bureau is committed to providing constitutional care for those who belong in Jail, while supporting efforts to divert offenders who should be more appropriately handled by non-Jail programs and processes. The Corrections Bureau has merged specialized units from the Jail to form the Jail Programs Division. This reorganization was intended to promote the expansion of jail programs and alternative incarcerations, and to develop vocational training and jail industries.
A priority of the Corrections Bureau is to create partnerships with the community and other professional organizations to: provide prisoners with the opportunity for positive personal growth; assist jail staff with the management of the prisoner population; prepare prisoners for re-entry into the community; and reduce recidivism and overcrowding.
Recent program developments include: expanding electronic monitoring of prisoners through state-of-the-art GPS technology; partnering with local businesses and State Corrections to create paid employment opportunities for prisoners; and offering house of Life Skills training to qualified prisoners. For additional information on prisoner programs please see the Jail Programs Division.
The Corrections Bureau is pleased with the way in which we continue to serve our community. Members of the community are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly tours, typically conducted the first Saturday of each month. Those interested can call 743-6161 to sign up and arrange for the required background check at least one week ahead of time. All visitors taking tours must be 16 years of age or older. Click the link for more information- Tour of the Metro Jail