Chelan County Regional Jail

The Chelan County Regional Justice Center is a 267-bed adult correctional facility serving a population of over 100,000 people across a geographical area exceeding 5,000 square miles. The jail staff facilitates court appearances for inmates scheduled for Chelan and Douglas County Superior and District Courts and East Wenatchee Municipal Court. The facility offers participation in Electronic Home Monitoring, Alcohol Monitoring, and Work Release for court-approved, sentenced offenders. Basic medical, mental health, and nutritional needs are provided by support staff, and all corrections staff are fully trained professionals dedicated to public safety.

The Chelan RJC provides a variety of programs aimed at benefiting the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of offenders. These programs include the Volunteer Inmate Worker program, Religious Services and Counseling, AA and NA meetings, Educational Services, and release planning. Community partners supporting these programs include Catholic Family Services, the Washington State Department of Corrections, Victory Ministries, and the Community Partnership for Transition Solutions (CPTS). Only individuals who have been sentenced and approved by the sentencing courts may apply for these programs, and all fees owed to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center must be paid in full before acceptance.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either 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.

Offenders sentenced from other counties may also be eligible for these programs if their court papers state that they may serve their sentence at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. Higher program fees will be assessed for these individuals. Eligibility for alternative programs may be denied based on criminal history, previous involvement in the program, jail classification, or risk assessment.

Work Release participants receive all their medical care at the facility. Individuals on narcotic medications are advised to consult their doctor at least two weeks before reporting into custody, as narcotics are prohibited in this program. For more information about Work Release and Electronic Home Monitoring, contact program staff at (509) 667-6615.

Alternative Program Procedures
Within 72 hours of court approval for work release, electronic/satellite home monitoring, or school release, individuals must call the office at (509) 667-6615 to establish eligibility and costs. Eligibility is determined based on completing the urinalysis testing program, jail classification criteria, previous program involvement, and criminal history. Once the court paperwork has been reviewed by program staff, the following steps must be completed:

1. Schedule an appointment to be processed into the program.
2. At the appointment, bring:
- An employer affidavit signed by your supervisor or employer.
- An employment pay stub verifying wages with an hourly rate of pay.
- Prescription medication in the original containers with your name on them.
- Driver information, including the name of the driver, a valid WA state driver’s license, vehicle registration/description, proof of insurance, and ignition interlock if required.
- Bus information, including bus number, route, and schedule if you are a bus rider.
- An interpreter if you do not read or write English.
3. Fees must be paid at least one week in advance. The account must be paid in full for the facility to notify the court of successful program completion.

Contact the program staff at (509) 667-6615 for further information and to initiate the process for eligibility and participation in the alternative programs offered at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.