Big Sandy Regional Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Big Sandy Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 606-297-5245.

The Big Sandy Detention is a locally operated low to medium-security regional detention center situated at 904 3rd St in Paintsville, KY. This facility primarily houses individuals awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as those serving shorter sentences, typically less than five years. Big Sandy Detention accommodates detainees brought in by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, the Kentucky DOC, Paintsville Police Department, and other nearby law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

New detainees arrive frequently and may be released on bail, under pretrial supervision, or on their recognizance with a commitment to appear in court. Those who remain in custody receive essential amenities, including secure accommodations, meals, and access to necessary services. To review recent arrest records for Kentucky, you can access public records here.

The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, a facility with a 140-bed capacity, operates alongside the 10-bed Jail Restricted Custody (JRC), designed for housing community and minimum-custody inmates from Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, and Martin Counties. Designed to maintain a clear separation from the main jail, the JRC provides a structured environment tailored to lower-risk offenders, facilitating a focus on reintegration and community-oriented programs. These facilities serve the correctional needs by providing secure housing and specialized supervision for varying custody levels.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours must appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.