Jefferson Co Jail / W.C. “Dub” Brassell Detention Center (DBDC)

You can support your loved ones at Dub Brassell Detention Center on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 870-541-5488.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Dub Brassell Detention Center is a detention center located at 300 E 2nd Ave Pine Bluff, AR which is operated locally by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Jefferson County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Pine Bluff Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Arkansas here.

The opening of the W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center, a modern facility with a capacity of 310 beds, has significantly alleviated the longstanding issue of overcrowding in Jefferson County. This expansion allows the county to fulfill its commitment to securely detaining offenders within its own jurisdiction, eliminating the previous need to house detainees in facilities across the state due to limited space.

As a state-of-the-art facility, the W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center is equipped with advanced video surveillance technology, enhancing the ability to monitor detainees closely and maintain a high level of security throughout the facility. Additionally, video visitation is available, providing a convenient way for family members to connect with detainees remotely, while also contributing to the overall safety and controlled environment of the center. This new facility marks a substantial improvement in Jefferson County’s capacity to address criminal activity locally and ensures a secure, efficient setting for both inmates and staff.

The Dub Brassell Detention Center processes all individuals taken into custody, housing them in designated areas based on security risk, with separate accommodations for low and medium-risk males, high-security males, and female detainees. Isolation and temporary holding cells are available for specific needs. This facility holds both pre-trial detainees and post-conviction inmates awaiting transfer to the Arkansas Department of Corrections or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Detainees have access to televisions, but smoking is strictly prohibited.

The Detention Center features a medical facility staffed by a physician and nurse practitioner, providing essential medical care. Meals, prepared in an on-site kitchen, typically include items such as oatmeal or grits with bread and sausage or bacon for breakfast, sub-sandwiches for lunch, and baked chicken with corn for dinner. Inmate meals adhere to nutritional standards, with limited exceptions.

Staff members at the Detention Center are certified through a minimum of 40 hours of state-approved training, covering Ethics and Professionalism, Jail Standards, Fingerprinting, Detainee Searches, and Prisoner Transportation. Some jailers are also certified as Part-Time II Deputy Sheriffs, enhancing their law enforcement capabilities. Upon reporting for duty, jailers are assigned roles that include Booking Officer, Control Panel Operator, and Communications Console Operator, each with specific responsibilities to ensure facility security and operational efficiency.

The Booking Officer manages the intake process, which includes booking, fingerprinting, photographing, and searching detainees, as well as assigning them to housing. They are responsible for dispensing medications under medical supervision and managing commissary services. Control Panel Operators monitor security systems, control access to and from the facility, and oversee surveillance and inmate communications. Lastly, the Communications Console Operator handles incoming calls, coordinates radio communications, maintains accurate dispatch records in the CAD system, and addresses inquiries, ensuring smooth communication both within the facility and with external law enforcement. This structured approach helps maintain order, security, and efficient operation within the Dub Brassell Detention Center.

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.