Clark County WA Corrections

The inmate housing facility in Clark County, situated within the Clark County Law Enforcement Center in downtown Vancouver, operates with a dynamic daily average population (ADP) comprised of individuals classified across varying levels of security risk. These classifications determine their placement within the facility, impacting the allocation of resources and staffing needs. Despite fluctuations in the ADP, the workload in the intake area and housing remains consistent, as both booked and released individuals are processed through this area. Here is a link to the current Inmate Handbook from the Clark County Sheriff.

Jail Services Officers play a pivotal role in the operation, providing supervision, custody, and care for inmates. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks including booking procedures, inmate monitoring, courtroom security, and inmate transport. They are also tasked with inmate classification and facilitating work release programs. The challenging nature of their duties is evidenced by their involvement in maintaining order within the facility, including subduing violent inmates and preventing self-harm incidents.

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.

While the closure of the Jail Work Center in April 2020 has repurposed the facility for laundry and kitchen services, efforts continue to address the strains on resources posed by the unpredictable inmate population. Specialized units, inmate programs, and collaborative partnerships with other agencies and the community serve to mitigate some of these challenges, but ongoing vigilance is required to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors, and inmates alike.