Fresno County Main Jail

The Main Jail, built in 1989 and located in Fresno County, serves as a central facility in the county’s correctional system. With a capacity to house a significant portion of the county's total inmate population of 2,427, the Main Jail is a key component of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office's operations. The facility operates under a Federal Consent Decree, which limits the number of inmates to ensure each individual has access to a bed, emphasizing the commitment to humane conditions and effective management.

The Main Jail employs over 350 staff members, including correctional officers, sergeants, and lieutenants, dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment. The facility uses a direct supervision model, where an officer oversees a module of up to 64 inmates. This model promotes safety and positive behavior through close interaction between staff and inmates. The Main Jail also hosts community events, such as the Every 15 Minutes and Sober Graduation programs, aimed at preventing teen drunken driving and fostering community engagement.

Inmates at the Main Jail undergo a comprehensive intake process, including medical evaluations, booking, and classification. This process ensures that inmates are properly assessed and housed according to their risk levels. The Main Jail offers a range of programs designed to support inmate rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs include educational classes, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services, all contributing to the facility's goal of reducing recidivism and promoting positive behavioral change.

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.