The current county jail has been in use since approximately 1950.  It was originally built to house 32 inmates but, after expansion of the jail and the addition of double bunks, the jail is able to house 79 inmates.  The jail employees both full time and part time deputies, a full time nurse, and a dietician.  

The jail offers a General Educational Development (GED) program for inmates interested in furthering their education.  Northwestern Community Services provides group sessions for inmates dealing with mental illnesses.  The ministries to the jail offer inmates the opportunity to increase their religious development.  Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) is a program that allows victims to check the status of the inmates. 

The Work Release program is available for inmates who meet specific qualifications.  Work Release inmates are encouraged to work and pay their fines, restitutions and child support.  The program allows inmates the opportunity to be more successful upon re-entry to our community.

What is allowed inside the jail during lock-up?

The male inmate is allowed to bring in with him:

1. 3 pairs of white socks
2. 3 pairs of white underwear (no thongs)
3. 3 white T-Shirts 

The female inmate is allowed to bring in with her:

1. 3 pairs of white socks
2. 6 pairs of white underwear (no thongs)
3. 3 white T-Shirts
4. 3 bras (not underwire bras)

Inmates may keep the following items at the time of booking provided they do not pose a threat to the security of the facility or staff (staff will make the ruling): wedding band (no sets), legal materials such as warrants, writing materials (no retractable pens), religious materials, addresses and phone numbers, medical alert bracelets, eye glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and prescribed medications in original containers.  Hygiene items are allowed only if they are brought in from another facility.  The inmate and his/her clothing will be thoroughly searched. Boots are not allowed in the facility.  Shoes with laces, hard soles, or steal toes are not allowed in the facility. 

Cash Bail – The defendant deposits cash with the court.  When the defendant shows up for court, the cash may be returned after all court cost have been paid.  If the defendant fails to show up, the court keeps the entire amount.

Surety Bond – Otherwise known as “bail bond”, this is when a defendant contacts a bondman who posts the bail bond to the court on behalf of the defendant.  In return for accepting this risk, the defendant pays the bondsman a premium of typically 10% of the bail amount plus a processing fee.

Property Bond – In many jurisdictions, defendants can allow placement of a lien on property (real estate) they own in order to secure their bail amount.  If the defendant fails to show up for court, the court will foreclose on their property.  The defendant can only post a property bond if there is enough equity on their property to cover the bail amount. 

A bondsman makes it possible for a defendant who cannot afford to post bail to be released from jail (and not spend time in jail awaiting trial).  A bondsman will take care of bail paperwork and will guarantee bond payment to the court.  In return for covering bail for a defendant, a bondsman earns a premium from the defendant or his or her family.  The only obligation of the defendant is to appear in court on the trial date. 

Recognizance is a type of release provided by the Court or Magistrate.  This is typically done for first-time offenders who pose no risk to society.

A citation release (or release by summons) usually occurs when a defendant is arrested for a lesser offense.   An officer may issue a citation that informs the defendant to appear in court on a specific date and time.  In this case no bail is required. 

Telephone numbers for calling a bondsman can be found in the yellow pages of the telephone book listed under bail bonds.