The St. Clair County Jail operates as a medium-security correctional facility under the Sheriff’s Office, providing comprehensive detention services and rehabilitation programs. The facility implements structured intake procedures, classification systems, and security protocols to maintain safety and order. Inmates have access to medical care, educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment programs. The jail employs video visitation systems and maintains strict communication guidelines for inmates and visitors. Housing units feature prefabricated modular cells with centralized control, while specialized accommodations exist for vulnerable populations. A thorough understanding of the facility’s operations discloses its commitment to both security and inmate rehabilitation.
Facility Overview & Operations
St. Clair County Jail
100 18th St. North
Pell City, AL 35125
(205) 884-6842
Operated by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Clair County Jail maintains a comprehensive medium-security correctional facility capable of housing both pre-sentenced and sentenced individuals. The facility has implemented a video visitation system replacing traditional face-to-face visits. Under the leadership of Sheriff Murray and Captain Phillip Barnard, the jail’s operational structure incorporates multiple security layers and administrative protocols to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors, and inmates. The facility maintains a 24/7 public lobby for visitor access and services.
The facility conducts regular intelligence briefings to address security threats and ongoing investigations, with security measures including strategic staff assignments to towers, mobile patrols, and restricted areas inaccessible to inmates. Tool management protocols require strict classification, identification, and secure storage of all supplies, with mandatory documentation of any lost items.
The jail’s administrative framework includes monthly lieutenants’ meetings to address programmatic concerns and quarterly reviews to analyze institutional trends and needs.
Providing a full range of on-site medical services, the facility’s infirmary offers dental care, dialysis, cancer treatment, emergency services, and diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, educational opportunities are available through a partnership with Gadsden State Community College, offering both academic and vocational training programs in classroom settings.
With a capacity of 400 inmates, the St. Clair County Jail maintains a structured staff hierarchy to uphold its core values of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service.
Booking & Intake Process
Upon arriving at the St. Clair County Jail, correctional officers promptly record the suspect’s personal information and details of the alleged offense. Officers then conduct a thorough background check, scanning for any outstanding warrants or previous criminal history.
The intake process commences with fingerprinting, photographing, and a comprehensive full-body search, followed by a general health assessment to ascertain the individual’s physical condition. Officers ensure inmates have access to legal representation rights during processing. Inmates who remain in custody for over 72 hours proceed to the general population classification process.
Simultaneously, officers inventory and safeguard all personal belongings, which are securely stored until the inmate’s release. Financial assets are deposited into an individual trust fund, from which inmates can make commissary purchases throughout their stay. After completing these preliminary steps, new arrivals receive a brief orientation outlining the facility’s rules and available services.
The final phase involves a classification interview, wherein staff determine the appropriate housing placement within the facility. During this interview, officers discuss visitation hours and program opportunities with the inmate, providing detailed information about regulations and assigning the individual to their designated cell. Throughout incarceration, personal property management and commissary access are facilitated through established administrative procedures, ensuring proper accountability and security.
Inmate Classification System & Housing Units
The St. Clair County Jail employs a comprehensive inmate classification system to evaluate criminal history, psychological factors, and risk levels, subsequently assigning inmates to appropriate custody designations and housing units. Thorough intake assessments utilize validated tools to grade security and programmatic needs, placing high-risk offenders in Close Custody single cells, medium-risk individuals in dormitory-style Medium Custody housing, and low-risk inmates in flexible Minimum Custody arrangements tailored to specific requirements.
The facility’s advanced state-of-the-art technology enables efficient monitoring and management of all housing units. Specialized housing options cater to inmates with particular needs, such as protective custody for vulnerable populations and medical housing for those requiring enhanced care. The classification process remains dynamic, with staff continuously monitoring inmate behaviors and conducting periodic reassessments to authorize custody level adjustments, work assignments, and program participation as warranted. Authorized overrides accommodate exceptional circumstances, ensuring facility security and individual inmate management align. Inmates may progress between custody levels based on demonstrated behavioral improvements, program completion, and diminished risk, transitioning to less restrictive housing in accordance with reclassification determinations.
The 323-bed facility leverages modern prefabricated modular cells and sophisticated surveillance technology, with housing units and custody levels managed from a central control point. This design enhances staff oversight capabilities while affording inmates access to varied programming, work opportunities, and reentry services based on their assigned custody designation and individualized case planning.
Jail Security Protocols & Safety Measures
Jail staff strictly enforce daily security protocols, performing thorough perimeter checks, maintaining continuous officer patrols, and conducting unannounced cell inspections to detect and seize any unauthorized items. Correctional officers thoroughly search all persons, property, and spaces, implementing a multi-layered approach consisting of pat-downs, metal detector scans, and canine units. Officers ensure that inmates have no personal property in their living areas, with all items being confiscated and properly accounted for.
Facility-wide counts verify the whereabouts of all detainees at scheduled intervals, with officers cross-checking identification and movement records. Officers must remain highly vigilant at all times due to the unpredictable and volatile nature of the correctional environment.
Centralized control room operators monitor real-time camera feeds, access control systems, and emergency notification networks, ready to deploy rapid response teams as needed. All incidents, from minor disturbances to critical emergencies, are promptly documented according to standardized reporting procedures, enabling thorough investigations and trend analysis.
Security equipment, including duress alarms, restraints, and less-lethal options, is strictly regulated, with staff receiving ongoing training to ensure proper and lawful utilization.
In the event of an emergency, such as a riot, escape attempt, or medical crisis, the facility activates its comprehensive emergency response plan. Pre-assigned duty rosters direct staff actions, with teams quickly establishing incident command, initiating lockdowns, and deploying specialized extraction or medical teams as required.
Regular disaster preparedness drills reinforce staff competencies, while strategic stockpiling of essential supplies ensures operational continuity during prolonged incidents.
St. Clair County Jail Inmate Services & Programs
St. Clair County Jail provides a comprehensive range of inmate services and programs designed to support rehabilitation and personal development during incarceration. The facility’s offerings include substance abuse treatment, mental health services, educational opportunities through the Intervention Academy, and various psychological support programs such as individual counseling and group therapy.
These services, available to all general population inmates regardless of financial status, aim to facilitate successful reintegration into society while addressing immediate needs during confinement.
Essential Inmate Services
Inmates access medical care through an electronic request system, enabling them to promptly schedule consultations with the facility’s on-site healthcare staff. The jail allocates $287,000 annually to fund these services, providing doctor visits at a $30 charge and $15 nurse consultations. Indigent inmates, defined as those with less than $2 in their account over a two-week period, receive necessary medical attention at no cost.
The facility also offers comprehensive mental health support, including counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and crisis intervention as needed.
Nutritious, calorically-balanced meals are served three times daily, with special dietary accommodations available for medical conditions or religious observances. Inmates may purchase supplemental food items through the commissary, which features a wide selection of snacks, hygiene products, and other approved provisions. Laundered linens and access to shower facilities ensure proper hygiene, and the jail provides personal clothing for court appearances when appropriate.
The facility maintains a schedule of religious services, ranging from weekly group worship to individual pastoral visits. Inmates also enjoy access to recreational activities, including outdoor exercise yards, sports equipment, and board games. A well-stocked library offers a variety of books, magazines, and educational materials to support intellectual stimulation and personal enrichment.
Rehabilitation & Education Programs for Inmates
The facility’s comprehensive rehabilitation framework encompasses a diverse array of evidence-based programs, equipping inmates with the necessary skills and support for successful reintegration. Inmates commence their journey through a thorough biopsychosocial assessment, which informs individualized treatment plans targeting their unique needs and goals.
The facility’s educational program provides inmates the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency diploma through structured classes and one-on-one tutoring. Complementing this academic focus, the vocational training initiative empowers inmates to develop practical job skills, ranging from carpentry and culinary arts to computer programming and small engine repair. Participants receive industry-recognized certifications, enhancing their post-release employability.
Addressing substance abuse, the facility’s Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program utilizes medication-assisted treatment protocols and gender-specific programming to support recovery. Inmates engage in biopsychosocial assessments, individualized treatment plans, and regular substance use screenings, with continued support for 12 weeks post-release.
The behavioral health curriculum centers on evidence-based interventions, such as Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These programs foster cognitive-behavioral transformation, addressing criminogenic thought patterns and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Trauma-informed groups further support inmates in building resilience and overcoming the impact of past experiences.
Inmates also participate in comprehensive life skills training, covering financial literacy, parenting education, and community reintegration planning. The work program, in partnership with local businesses, enables inmates to gain hands-on experience, develop a strong work ethic, and save funds for their eventual release.
Eligibility for the facility’s rehabilitation programs is determined through a thorough assessment process, prioritizing inmates with the greatest need and likelihood of successful completion. Successful program completion is marked by the achievement of individualized treatment goals, demonstrated behavioral change, and active engagement in post-release support services.
Visitation, Mail & Communication Guidelines
The St. Clair County Jail accommodates visits from approved individuals on Sundays through Thursdays between 12:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Each inmate may receive one 30-minute on-site visit per week.
Remote video visitation options are available daily, including holidays, at a rate of $12.99 per 20-minute session. Visitors must schedule appointments through the www.videovisitanywhere.com platform.
Children under the age of 17 require a birth certificate and accompaniment by a guardian to gain entry. All visitors must adhere to the facility’s conduct policies, which prohibit disruptive or inappropriate behavior.
Special visits, such as those with attorneys or clergy, may be arranged upon request and approval.
Mail correspondence is restricted to plain postcards without embellishments. Specific addressing requirements must be followed, and all items undergo strict scanning protocols. The facility rejects oversized or non-paper materials.
Inmates can only make outgoing collect calls through the Ameritech system, and phone accounts must be established by the receiving party, who is responsible for call charges.
Inmate Legal Rights & Resources
Within the St. Clair County Jail, inmates possess specific legal rights to ensure their fair treatment. Inmates may request medical attention, file grievances regarding facility conditions or staff conduct, and receive information about their privileges during classification interviews. Eligible inmates can petition for a 25% sentence reduction after serving half of qualifying sentences of 60 days or longer, through a process involving the Program Coordinator, Probation Department, and sentencing Judge.
The Legal Self-Help Center, located at 10 Public Square in Belleville, Illinois, provides inmates with vital legal resources and referrals to free or low-cost services. Inmates may bring personal clothing for court appearances when jail attire could be prejudicial, and they are entitled to hearings regarding any refused publications suspected of containing contraband. Inmates can access the facility’s law library and meet with attorneys during designated visitation hours, facilitating their ability to navigate the judicial system.
Inmates’ financial matters are managed through a trust fund system, which enables commissary purchases and medical expense payments, with special provisions for indigent inmates. This system ensures inmates can acquire necessary items and address healthcare needs while incarcerated. Overall, the St. Clair County Jail upholds inmates’ legal rights, provides access to critical resources, and offers opportunities for sentence reduction, empowering them to effectively engage with the justice system.
St. Clair County Jail Release Process & Reintegration
As inmates prepare for release, the St. Clair County Jail coordinates a comprehensive process to facilitate their successful reintegration. Thorough case reviews verify release dates, while staff assemble release packets containing vital post-release information and coordinate transportation services when needed.
The facility also manages outstanding financial matters, including processing medical expenses and issuing trust fund balance checks.
The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program, a critical component, provides individualized behavioral health support through biopsychosocial assessments and personalized treatment plans. Re-entry case workers then schedule appointments for housing, medication-assisted treatment, and healthcare services to address each individual’s unique needs.
Community reintegration efforts include post-release monitoring for RSAT and Community Corrections program participants. Case managers assist with securing employment and ensure compliance with program requirements. Random drug testing and cognitive development classes further support sustained recovery, while local community partners and recovery communities offer additional resources.
Family members are integrated into psychoeducational groups, creating a comprehensive support network for released individuals.
Performance Metrics & Compliance Reports
Detailing exceptional operational standards, the St. Clair County Jail meticulously monitors compliance through robust inspection protocols. As of April 2023, the facility houses 490 inmates – exceeding its total capacity of 418 – with marked overcrowding across male and female populations. The jail rigorously adheres to Illinois Compiled Statutes and the PREA’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, validated through comprehensive annual audits.
The jail’s performance tracking encompasses health services documentation, security measures, and detention standards. Clinicians painstakingly maintain medical and mental health treatment logs, while officer training and emergency procedure reviews regularly assess security protocols. Admitting processes, visitor documentation, and critical service delivery are systematically monitored to ensure compliance with state requirements.
Confronting the challenges of an aging infrastructure last renovated in 1988, the facility diligently documents detainee conduct, authorized absences, and disciplinary actions.
The Jail and Detention Standards Unit provides ongoing consultation to uphold state-mandated standards, as demonstrated by the jail’s meticulous records of body pest treatments, bedding provisions, and sick call procedures. Reflecting a steadfast commitment to health and safety, these comprehensive compliance reports underscore the facility’s operational excellence. Through judicious budget allocation and robust staff training, the St. Clair County Jail continues to deliver exemplary service, even as it navigates the complexities of population management and incident prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Correctional Officers Are Currently Employed at St. Clair County Jail?
Based on the provided employment data, St. Clair County employs 66 full-time correctional officers across various roles including Correctional Officers, Sergeants, and Lieutenants in their jail facility.
What Is the Annual Operating Budget for St. Clair County Jail?
Based on the budget information provided, the jail received $114,000 in appropriations for jail and sheriff budgets in 2008, plus $49,700 specifically for jail surveillance system improvements.
What Percentage of Inmates Return to St. Clair County Jail Within 3 Years?
According to recent data, 18.3% of inmates return to incarceration within 3 years, which is significantly lower than Missouri’s state average of 43.9% and the national average of 70%.
How Many Emergency Medical Incidents Occurred at the Jail Last Year?
The total number of emergency medical incidents for the last year is not specified in the available data, though the jail does document various health issues among its inmate population.
What Is the Average Length of Employment for Jail Staff Members?
While correctional officers typically expect careers lasting 15+ years, high turnover rates show many leave within the first year. National data indicates significant staffing instability across correctional facilities.