NCJ Number
133448
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 5 Dated: (November-December 1991) Pages: 82-84,86-88
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The existing Portsmouth (Virginia) City Jail was constructed in 1969 and received its first inmates the following year. The jail, which would not meet current State construction standards, was designed to accommodate 197 inmates and now houses 450.
Abstract
As a result of this overcrowding, much of the daily operational routine consists of dealing with the overload and associated problems including lack of bed space, inmate movement within the facility, and food service operations. One of the first inmate programs instituted at the facility was the Department of Justice-approved inmate grievance procedure. The Classification Division also handles informal inmate complaints; computation of jail sentences; and programs including work release, Alternative Work Program, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, General Equivalency Diploma, and trusty work crews. The Mental Health Division is responsible for intake psychological evaluations, individual counseling, mental health evaluations, recommendations for criminal temporary detention orders, and case management for inmates being released. The Sheriff's Office oversees the health and well-being of almost 7000 prisoners each year. In 1990, the Office also assumed the responsibility for service of criminal warrants in the city from the police department. The Sheriff's Office has placed additional emphasis on departmental training, establishing a Training Academy and coordinating training efforts with other sheriffs' offices.