Cherokee County Jail is a modern 23-acre correctional facility with a 583-inmate capacity across 21 specialized housing units. The facility employs comprehensive security measures, including 14-foot perimeter fencing, razor wire, and extensive camera surveillance. Intake procedures process approximately 18,380 offenders annually through medical screening, identity verification, and custody assessment protocols. The jail employs a structured classification system for appropriate housing assignments while providing vital services, including medical care, rehabilitation programs, and religious support. A recent $40 million renovation improved facility infrastructure and security capabilities, establishing a foundation for a deeper understanding of correctional operations.
Facility Overview & Operations
Cherokee County Detention Center
110 Cedar Bluff Road
Centre, AL 35960
(256) 927-6435
The Cherokee County Detention Center maintains a classification and security level commensurate with the facility’s core purpose – the secure detention of adult male and female inmates and youthful offenders. Governed by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the facility adheres to stringent operational protocols overseen by the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Situated in Centre, Alabama, the detention center occupies an expansive 23-acre site, housing a total capacity of 583 inmates across 21 distinct housing units. This includes specialized units for medical care, with a 27-bed infirmary providing continuous monitoring and treatment. Inmates are systematically classified and segregated based on charges, mental stability, and medical requirements, ensuring specialized management of vulnerable populations.
Upholding the highest safety and security standards, the facility features a 14-foot chain link perimeter fence with razor wire and a comprehensive camera surveillance system. Central control oversees all movement, maintaining two-way communications with housing units. Detailed security recordings are retained for 60 to 90 days, preserving a comprehensive record of operations.
Staffed by a team of highly trained corrections professionals, the detention center adheres to a core set of values emphasizing integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public service. Correctional officers, medical personnel, and administrative support work in tandem to ensure the humane and lawful treatment of all individuals entrusted to the facility’s care.
Booking & Intake Process
Upon arrival at the Cherokee County Detention Center, individuals undergo a comprehensive medical screening to assess immediate health concerns. This thorough examination includes recording vital signs, evaluating physical and mental well-being, and identifying any pre-existing conditions or required medications. During this initial phase, a dedicated pre-trial staff member consults with each incoming detainee regarding their custody status and potential release options.
Concurrently, booking officers initiate the identification process, capturing fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and DNA samples to verify identity and charges.
The booking procedure, which can range from one to 48 hours, entails a meticulous review of the individual’s legal status. Officers conduct an extensive assessment, cross-checking charges, outstanding warrants, and pending court dates to determine appropriate processing. The facility processes approximately 18,380 offenders annually through its intake system. Misdemeanor and felony offenses are processed, with various release options available, such as posting bail, securing a bond, or receiving a court appearance commitment.
During the intake phase, booking personnel perform initial security assessments to assign suitable housing placements. Factors considered include the severity of charges, criminal history, and potential threats to the individual or facility. Inmates are then directed to their designated housing units, which provide access to essential services like meals, laundry facilities, and personal hygiene items.
Individuals are advised to consult legal counsel before making any statements regarding their arrest circumstances. Additionally, information on bail amounts and payment methods can be obtained by contacting the detention center’s main phone number, 678-493-4200.
Inmate Classification System & Housing Units
Based on a comprehensive initial assessment during intake, Cherokee County Detention Center meticulously classifies inmates across multiple risk factors, including criminal charges, mental stability, escape history, and medical needs. Trained officers employ structured scoring instruments and formal custody evaluations to determine appropriate housing assignments within 72 hours. This thorough classification process, typically lasting 2-6 hours per inmate, involves personal interviews and review of arrest reports. Mandatory reclassification intervals help ensure housing assignments remain current and appropriate.
The facility operates 21 distinct housing units, including specialized medical and segregation areas. A state-of-the-art medical unit accommodates 27 inmates requiring continuous observation, while a six-level housing tower facilitates proper separation. The $40 million renovation has significantly enhanced the facility’s ability to meet diverse inmate needs. The modular construction, featuring precast concrete cells with structural walls, enables practical housing assignments based on classification requirements.
Special management inmates receive separate housing arrangements under augmented security protocols while maintaining equal access to facilities and opportunities. These units employ experienced staff who have completed mandatory probationary periods. Regular reviews ensure that housing assignments remain appropriate as inmate circumstances evolve.
Housing unit types and assignments consider multiple factors, including security risk, medical needs, and programming requirements. Inmates may progress between classification levels as they demonstrate positive behavior and reduced risk. However, certain restrictions and heightened requirements apply to inmates in maximum-security units or with specialized designations. This fluid classification system thoughtfully addresses inmates’ dynamic needs through structured assessment, tailored housing, and ongoing evaluation.
Jail Security Protocols & Safety Measures
The Cherokee County Detention Center vigilantly safeguards its premises through a multifaceted security protocol. Centralized command and control oversee all facility operations, governing door access, surveillance systems, and climate management from a state-of-the-art control room. Officers thoroughly inspect and catalog every inmate movement, leveraging over 50 high-definition cameras to monitor activities throughout the complex. The facility maintains secured key storage with strictly controlled access and detailed logs of all key assignments.
To prevent the introduction of contraband, the center maintains stringent search procedures, systematically screening all personnel, visitors, and deliveries. Periodic pat-downs, comprehensive room searches, and advanced scanning technologies ensure the secure containment of illicit items. Detailed inventory controls and quarterly equipment inspections further bolster these contraband prevention efforts. The facility’s rigorous protocols help minimize exposure to infectious diseases, a critical concern in correctional environments.
Meticulously crafted emergency response plans, developed in collaboration with local authorities, equip staff to address a range of critical incidents swiftly. Comprehensive training in crisis management, conflict de-escalation, and appropriate force application empowers officers to maintain order and ensure the safety of all individuals within the facility. Standardized count procedures and strictly controlled inmate movement protocols complement these preparedness measures.
The detention center’s control room orchestrates the facility’s day-to-day security operations. Officers monitor surveillance feeds, manage door controls, and coordinate responses to various events, ensuring a secure environment for staff and inmates. Incident reporting and investigation procedures provide a thorough documentation process, enabling data-driven assessments and continuous improvement of security practices.
Cherokee County Jail Inmate Services & Programs
Cherokee County Jail maintains comprehensive inmate services designed to facilitate rehabilitation and decrease the repetition of criminal behavior through various educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs.
The facility offers indispensable mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and counseling programs while furthermore providing opportunities for inmates to pursue educational advancement through GED courses and vocational training. Through community partnerships, counselors deliver vital support services to help address underlying behavioral issues.
Through structured work programs and re-entry preparation services, inmates can develop vital job skills and life competencies necessary for successful reintegration into society.
Essential Inmate Services
The Cherokee County Jail prioritizes comprehensive inmate services to maintain health, safety, and basic human needs. Onsite medical staff conduct initial screenings, keep medical histories, and perform physical examinations to provide necessary care. Inmates also receive access to dental services, mental health counseling, and prenatal care when applicable.
The facility strictly adheres to protocols for living conditions, featuring specialized housing arrangements like separate pods for distinct inmate classifications. Inmates can purchase personal items and hygiene products through the commissary system. Communication services include scheduled visitations, funded telephone accounts, and mail correspondence following established policies.
Inmates have opportunities to participate in work detail programs, educational initiatives like GED classes, and eligible work release for non-violent offenders. Nutritious meals accommodate dietary needs; laundry services ensure clean clothing and linens. Religious services and recreational activities are also available, complemented by library resources. All services meet rigorous accreditation standards, providing quality care and operational excellence.
Rehabilitation & Education Programs for Inmates
The Cherokee County Jail offers robust rehabilitative programs tailored to address inmates’ diverse needs. Vocational training curricula equip participants with in-demand technical skills, covering trades such as plumbing, welding, and electrical installation. Completers gain practical experience through the facility’s work release program, which enables eligible inmates to undertake supervised employment within the community.
Complementing the vocational track, the jail’s educational initiatives deliver foundational literacy instruction through Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses while also preparing inmates for high school equivalency exams via GED preparation classes. For those seeking postsecondary advancement, the institution partners with local colleges to provide access to associate’s degree programs and other higher learning opportunities.
Addressing behavioral and mental health challenges, the jail’s substance abuse treatment regimen incorporates individual and group counseling alongside specialized skill-building workshops. Medication management and religious/spiritual support services further bolster inmates’ psychological well-being and facilitate their reintegration into society. Family development initiatives additionally strengthen participants’ familial bonds and interpersonal capacities.
Eligibility for these rehabilitative programs is determined through a comprehensive assessment of each inmate’s unique needs and risk factors. The attainment of specific educational benchmarks marks successful program completion, the demonstration of newly acquired competencies, and the exhibition of behavioral progress. These holistic interventions equip inmates with the knowledge, abilities, and community connections to reduce recidivism and foster their successful, sustainable reentry.
Visitation, Mail & Communication Guidelines
At Cherokee County Jail, inmates can maintain connections with family and friends through various communication channels. Scheduled on-site visitation sessions occur on Tuesdays/Wednesdays or Saturdays/Sundays, organized by inmates’ last names. Visitors must reserve appointments one day in advance through iWebVisit.com, with each session limited to 30 minutes and a maximum of two visitors per terminal.
All visitors undergo security screenings, including presenting government-issued photo identification and complying with pat-down searches. Visitation is non-contact, and visitors must adhere to facility rules prohibiting smoking, food, and beverages in the visitation area. Special visit provisions may be arranged for clergy, attorneys, or authorized representatives.
For written correspondence, personal letters must be processed through the centralized JailATM.com facility in Decatur, while legal documents should be sent directly to the jail in Centre, Alabama. Inmates can also utilize digital communication platforms like Penmate and Securus to exchange messages, photos, and letters electronically with their families.
Telephone system access provides inmates with additional means of staying connected, with call rates and duration limits enforced to maintain facility security. Electronic communications undergo review and approval processes to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Inmate Legal Rights & Resources
Inmates at the Cherokee County Jail maintain core constitutional rights, including freedoms of speech, religion, and association, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and cruel punishment. Inmates may file Section 1983 civil suits in federal court to address violations of their constitutional rights by state or local officials.
The jail provides access to a law library and legal resources such as The Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook to assist inmates in understanding and exercising their rights.
Before pursuing legal action, inmates must exhaust the facility’s administrative grievance processes. These procedures enable inmates to voice concerns about conditions, policies, or staff conduct formally. Grievances receive thorough investigation, with responses provided within established timeframes. Inmates who remain unsatisfied may then pursue external legal remedies.
The jail facilitates attorney visits, allowing private meetings between inmates and their legal counsel. Inmates also receive regular opportunities to appear before the court, either in person or via video conference, to address criminal charges, sentencing matters, or civil litigation. Additionally, the facility collaborates with local legal aid organizations to connect inmates with resources for obtaining legal assistance when needed.
Inmates can access the jail’s law library, which stocks a comprehensive collection of law books, legal forms, and other reference materials. Librarians provide guidance on utilizing these resources to conduct legal research, draft court filings, and prepare for legal proceedings. Inmates receive adequate time and private space to leverage the law library to support their legal matters effectively.
Cherokee County Jail Release Process & Reintegration
Upon posting bail, individuals initiate the release process from the Cherokee County Jail. This structured procedure undergoes expedited processing when staffing levels are optimal during normal business hours, often culminating in release within 30 minutes to several hours. Nighttime and weekend releases, however, can experience extended wait times due to reduced personnel. Case complexity, outstanding warrants, and overall inmate volume represent key variables influencing the release timeline. Utilizing bonding companies frequently facilitates quicker processing due to established relationships with jail staff. Cash bonds mandate a separate, non-refundable $20.00 fee payable according to specific guidelines set by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Cherokee Nation’s Coming Home Programs offer comprehensive post-release support, including counseling, healthcare, and vocational training to aid successful community reintegration and reduce recidivism. Likewise, the Alabama Department of Community Supervision provides pre-release resources and housing assistance to promote successful transitions. These programs emphasize structured support services and transitional housing opportunities. Continued treatment options, family reunification support, and employment assistance represent additional integral components of the reintegration process. By leveraging these multifaceted services, formerly incarcerated individuals can navigate life’s challenges after release and establish a stable foundation for long-term success.
Performance Metrics & Compliance Reports
Cherokee County Jail upholds exemplary operational standards through rigorous performance evaluations and meticulous compliance monitoring. The facility’s unwavering commitment to excellence is evidenced by its prestigious “Triple Crown” status, achieved in 2019, wherein it simultaneously held coveted accreditations from the American Correctional Association (ACA), National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The most recent 2022 ACA audit further demonstrated the facility’s exceptional performance, securing a flawless score of 100% on both mandatory and non-mandatory standards.
Strategic deployment of 318 surveillance cameras throughout the facility ensures comprehensive security coverage, while a professional staff of 163 employees, including 127 dedicated security personnel, maintains the highest levels of operational efficiency. Implementing advanced lock control systems, leveraging Tracer technology and magnetic access cards, enhances the facility’s overall security posture.
Meticulous adherence to health and safety protocols, particularly in food service operations, further underscores the jail’s commitment to the well-being of its population.
The facility operates at approximately 49% of its rated capacity of 1146, currently housing 562 inmates, enabling optimal resource allocation and management. Regular inspections, detailed documentation, and strict adherence to accreditation requirements ensure the jail maintains its high standards of operation and full compliance with all regulatory requirements. Incident statistics demonstrate the effectiveness of the facility’s security measures, while program success rates highlight the positive impact of its rehabilitation efforts on the inmate population. The jail’s judicious budget allocation ensures appropriate funding for staff training, facility maintenance, and the implementation of cutting-edge security and healthcare technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens to Inmates During Severe Weather or Natural Disasters?
During severe weather, inmates may be evacuated to secure facilities. Staff implement emergency protocols, maintain operations, and coordinate with authorities. Trained inmates may assist in disaster response under supervision.
Can Inmates Keep Their Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses While Incarcerated?
Inmates are authorized to keep one pair of prescription eyeglasses during incarceration. Contact lenses are typically not permitted. Facilities must accept approved prescription glasses through visitation or mail delivery.
Are Inmates Allowed to Practice Religious Fasting During Special Observances?
Inmates are permitted to practice religious fasting during special observances with proper pre-approval. Requests must be submitted to the Chaplain 45 days before the fast, following established facility directives.
How Are Disputes Between Cellmates Typically Handled and Resolved?
Disputes between cellmates are primarily addressed through mediation and conflict resolution techniques. Staff first attempt de-escalation, followed by formal mediation sessions with trained facilitators if necessary.
What Happens if an Inmate Requires Emergency Dental Care?
Emergency dental care for inmates requires immediate assessment and treatment. Staff evaluates severity, arranges on-site care or hospital transport, and provides pain management following institutional protocols and legal obligations.