Daviess County Detention Center & RCCs

The Daviess County Detention Center is a comprehensive correctional facility offering various alternatives to traditional incarceration, including Pretrial Services, Home Detention, and Work Release, alongside conventional detention for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences. With an average daily population exceeding 700 county, federal, and Kentucky state inmates, the facility comprises four main buildings: the 482-bed central detention unit, the 58-bed SAP Unit dedicated to substance abuse treatment, and two Restricted Custody Centers (RCCs) for community and minimum-custody housing specifically for work-release inmates. There are 124 and 35 beds in each RCC. These inmates earn one day off their sentence for every 40 hours of work, up to a maximum of four days per month.

Operating around the clock, the facility is staffed by approximately eighty-five well-trained deputies who ensure security, supervise inmates, provide medical care, facilitate visitation, manage transportation, and handle feeding and other essential services. The center also has specialized teams, including a canine unit and a Special Response Team, to maintain order and respond to emergencies. Additionally, the Substance Abuse Program, pioneered in Daviess County and now widely adopted throughout the state, provides male state inmates with the tools to overcome addiction and improve decision-making.

The center’s extensive grounds are secured with fencing and Constantine wire, and the Jailer, along with the staff, oversees all aspects of operations, including maintenance. The facility emphasizes rehabilitation by allowing inmates to perform approved community work under staff supervision. Community volunteers play a vital role in offering religious and rehabilitative programs, and the facility is deeply appreciative of their continued dedication and support.

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.

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.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences.