DeKalb County Jail, located at 2801 Jordan Rd SW in Alabama, operates as a medium-security facility with a 140-bed capacity. The facility processes approximately 2,800 inmates annually, implementing comprehensive security measures, including HD surveillance and advanced screening technology. Inmates undergo systematic classification within 72 hours of booking, determining appropriate housing assignments based on risk levels. The jail provides crucial services through Armor Health, rehabilitation programs through Georgia Piedmont Technical College and structured daily activities. Visitation requires advance scheduling, while communication options include monitored phone calls and electronic messaging. The facility’s operations disclose a complex system that balances security with rehabilitation.
Facility Overview & Operations
DeKalb County Jail
2801 Jordan Rd SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
(256) 845-8565
The DeKalb County Jail operates as a medium-security facility that adheres to rigorous oversight from local governing authorities and state regulations. This facility serves as a critical component of the justice system, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced individuals under comprehensive correctional management practices.
Following its expansion in 2018, the jail boasts a capacity of 140 beds distributed over 81,000 square feet, ensuring sufficient space to accommodate varying populations while maintaining order and safety. The facility processes 2,800 inmates annually, maintaining efficient intake procedures and population management.
Operational policies emphasize adherence to the standards the American Corrections Association sets, ensuring that security protocols reflect the latest advancements in correctional practices. The facility utilizes state-of-the-art surveillance technology, including high-definition cameras and intrusion detection systems, and traditional security measures such as x-ray machines and metal detectors.
Staff actively monitor these systems from a centralized master control room, which serves as the nerve center for facility operations, guaranteeing a swift response to incidents. The facility maintains Electronic Home Monitoring capabilities as an alternative to traditional incarceration for qualifying individuals.
The staff consists of experienced personnel committed to fostering an environment prioritizing safety and rehabilitation. Correctional officers, case managers, and medical personnel work collaboratively, each playing a pivotal role in operational efficiency.
Policies governing inmate interactions, medical care, and programs for rehabilitation are strictly enforced, allowing for comprehensive support to individuals in custody. The jail also features dedicated spaces such as kitchen facilities, laundry services, and areas designated for educational and vocational programming, demonstrating an investment in the detainee population’s development.
The facility’s Core values focus on respect, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the institution operates with integrity at all levels. These values guide daily practices and interactions among staff, inmates, and visitors, fostering a culture where community safety remains paramount.
The facility’s design includes a drive-thru sallyport, which enhances security by allowing vehicles to enter and exit without compromising the perimeter. Additionally, the availability of specialized storage areas for evidence and contraband further supports the comprehensive security measures.
DeKalb County Jail’s operational structure reflects a commitment to enhancing community ties while promoting effective rehabilitation strategies. Comprehensive training for all personnel is structured to align with best practices in corrections, ensuring that the facility fulfills its role in public safety and contributes positively to the broader justice system.
Booking & Intake Process
Upon arrival at the DeKalb County Jail, arrestees experience a systematic booking procedure that initiates with essential identification protocols. Officers immediately take fingerprints and photographs while conducting an initial medical screening to assess immediate health concerns. This step is crucial, enabling the facility to address medical needs and potential risks within the inmate population. A valid picture I.D. must be presented during this identification stage for proper identity verification. Handcuffs remain secured until processing is complete, following standard police protocol.
Additionally, arresting officers relay pertinent charging information to the booking clerk, who meticulously documents the individual’s contact details and physical characteristics. The booking clerk utilizes the SDS (Sheriff’s Department System) computer system to record vital data, such as the arrestee’s height, weight, and custody status. They assign a unique booking number for easy reference, ensuring all information remains organized and accessible. Digital tools capture electronic photographs and thumbprints, accurately representing the individual’s identity.
As processing continues, inmates receive notifications of their rights, informing them of legal entitlements while in custody, which is a fundamental aspect of the intake process. In conjunction with these procedures, property handling is implemented to safeguard personal belongings. Each inmate’s items are meticulously logged and labeled on a Property Receipt form, essential for returning belongings upon release.
Inmates undergo an initial security assessment to evaluate any potential threats they may pose to themselves or others within the facility. This assessment includes a review of behavioral patterns and any history of violence or substance abuse, guiding decisions on housing assignments.
As the initial intake concludes, the classification process determines temporary housing assignments based on the nature of the charges and behavioral assessments. Inmates with bailable offenses are granted access to telephones, allowing them to contact family members or bondsmen for assistance. Those without bail options must await a scheduled appearance before a magistrate, maintaining order and following the established protocols of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.
This thorough and organized intake process ensures safety and security and lays the groundwork for the ongoing management of arrestees within the facility.
Inmate Classification System & Housing Units
Upon completing initial booking procedures, DeKalb County Jail initiates a rigorous classification process designed to ascertain the most suitable housing assignments for each inmate within a 72-hour timeframe. Factors such as criminal history, current charges, and behavioral patterns hold considerable weight in this evaluation, enabling staff to determine the appropriate security level required.
The facility categorizes inmates into several custody levels, including general population for low-risk inmates who partake in communal activities, medium custody for those with moderate risk factors, and maximum custody for high-risk individuals requiring more stringent supervision. Currently, the jail maintains 50 total inmates, with specialized arrangements made for the four female detainees.
Special housing needs arise for certain populations, necessitating protective custody for vulnerable individuals, such as those threatened with harm, and segregated units for inmates who must adhere to disciplinary measures due to misconduct. For example, inmates with medical conditions or mental health diagnoses receive targeted placement within specialized housing units equipped with the necessary care and resources. This careful consideration of unique needs ensures each inmate receives adequate supervision while facilitating their well-being.
The classification review process maintains ongoing evaluations of housing assignments, conducted routinely to reflect changes in inmates’ legal statuses or behavioral adjustments during incarceration.
Movement between classifications is fluid, allowing inmates to transition to different custody levels based on compliance with facility rules, participation in rehabilitation programs, or changes in charge severity. For instance, a low-risk inmate demonstrating good behavior may advance from medium custody to the general population. In contrast, a high-risk inmate displaying aggression could move from medium to maximum custody.
Housing restrictions and requirements are pivotal in determining unit assignments, with standards set to safeguard the safety and security of all inmates and staff members.
For example, inmates within medium custody units are typically not permitted access to communal areas during peak hours to minimize potential conflicts. Meanwhile, maximum custody units enforce even stricter regulations, limiting outside contact and requiring more frequent supervision.
This systematic approach, focusing on nuanced classifications and informed housing decisions, fosters an environment where security is prioritized while also addressing the diverse needs of the inmate population.
Jail Security Protocols & Safety Measures
DeKalb County Jail employs daily security protocols and procedures that enhance the safety and operational efficiency of the facility. Staff members conduct systematic checks of security equipment, including surveillance cameras and metal detectors, ensuring that all systems function optimally. They perform routine counts of inmates at designated intervals—specifically every hour—using a combination of visual checks and electronic monitoring systems. This meticulous counting process maintains accurate inmate records and immediately identifies discrepancies, fostering a secure environment.
To combat contraband introduction and distribution, jail personnel implement rigorous detection measures, including thorough searches of inmates and visitors. Staff members utilize handheld metal detectors during visitation hours, while periodic cell searches employ narcotics detection dogs trained to identify even minute traces of illicit substances. These proactive strategies significantly reduce the potential for contraband infiltration, reinforcing the facility’s security posture. The recent installation of metal panels over windows has further strengthened efforts to prevent contraband entry into the facility. The facility’s advanced information access system enables staff to monitor inmate activities and service requests effectively, enhancing overall security.
Emergency response procedures undergo rigorous evaluation and practice throughout the year. Each staff member participates in annual training sessions focused on responding to various emergency scenarios, such as fire outbreaks or natural disasters. The facility’s Emergency Operations Center coordinates this preparedness training, articulating clear action plans that include immediate evacuation routes and designated safety zones for inmates and personnel.
Drill evaluations assess response times and reinforce these emergency protocols, ensuring all employees remain familiar with established steps when urgency arises.
In movement control, staff members meticulously manage inmate transfers, implementing strict guidelines to minimize risks associated with inmate relocations. Only authorized personnel operate within designated zones, employing two-way radios to maintain constant communication and oversight. Additionally, daily schedules dictate inmate movement, adhering to established timeframes that further mitigate potential safety issues during transitions.
Search procedures play a pivotal role in ensuring the facility’s integrity, with officers trained to conduct planned and unplanned searches methodically. Upon entering high-risk areas, they follow a systematic approach, employing visual sweeps and thorough inspections of personal belongings and common areas.
Control center operations coordinate these activities, utilizing real-time data from security cameras and motion detectors to quickly track inmate activities and identify any irregularities.
Effective incident reporting and response are essential to jail operations, enabling prompt action in the event of a security breach or other incidents. Personnel are trained to document each incident meticulously within a centralized reporting system, providing detailed accounts essential for subsequent investigations. This real-time documentation process aids in developing actionable insights that inform future security strategies.
Using sophisticated security equipment enhances the overall safety framework within the DeKalb County Jail. Officers maintain and utilize advanced surveillance technology, including thermal imaging cameras capable of detecting movement in low-light environments, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring of critical areas.
These measures, combined with consistent staff training and procedural adherence, create a fortified environment that prioritizes the safety of both inmates and personnel.
DeKalb County Jail Inmate Services & Programs
DeKalb County Jail maintains a comprehensive array of inmate services and programs to facilitate rehabilitation and personal development during incarceration.
The facility offers educational opportunities through partnerships with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and Goodwill Industries, including GED preparation, vocational training, and life skills development programs.
Through various collaborative efforts with community organizations, inmates have access to substance abuse treatment, religious services, work release programs, and counseling services aimed at successful reintegration into society.
Essential Inmate Services
At DeKalb County Jail, residents benefit from comprehensive medical services prioritizing their well-being. Armor Health of Miami delivers essential medical, dental, and mental health care, enabling inmates to submit confidential health requests through electronic monitors or written notes. In-house dialysis services and rigorous intake screenings provide a continual focus on managing chronic health conditions, ensuring that all prisoners receive consistent and appropriate treatment when they need it.
Mental health services play a pivotal role in the overall care provided at the facility, with trained professionals available to assess and address various psychological needs. Inmates engage in therapy sessions and group activities, promoting emotional well-being and facilitating coping strategies for stress and anxiety, which are imperative in the challenging jail environment.
Meal services guarantee three nutritionally balanced meals daily, with careful provisions made for medical and religious dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options. Each meal meets specific nutritional guidelines and caters to individual health requirements, ensuring adequate sustenance.
Complementing these meals, the commissary offers an array of additional food items for purchase, allowing inmates autonomy over their dietary choices while enhancing their overall quality of life.
Hygiene and laundry services facilitate personal care, with regular distribution of personal care kits that include items such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo. Additionally, the facility maintains a schedule for laundering clothing, which supports cleanliness in a typically variable environment.
Licensed barbers provide supervised grooming services during weekdays, allowing inmates to maintain their appearance and hygiene standards.
The facility promotes recreational activities that contribute to overall mental and physical health. Residents enjoy daily recreation periods that allow them to exercise or relax in open areas, fostering a sense of normalcy and reducing stress.
The jail also offers creative programming, including art appreciation classes and yoga, which are structured as part of an 8-week curriculum designed to enhance both creativity and physical wellness.
Access to library services further enriches inmates’ experience by providing a diverse selection of reading materials and educational resources. Inmates can choose from various books, aiding in personal development and fostering a learning environment despite their confinement.
This access serves as a constructive outlet and enriches their knowledge and understanding of different subjects.
Religious services uphold the spiritual needs of the inmates, with organized worship sessions and access to religious texts. The facility allows for the presence of chaplains, granting inmates the opportunity to participate in prayer and reflection, ultimately promoting emotional resilience in an often distressing atmosphere.
This holistic approach to services at DeKalb County Jail ensures that residents maintain a level of care across various aspects of life, significantly contributing to their overall well-being while incarcerated.
Rehabilitation & Education Programs for Inmates
Transforming lives through strategic intervention, the rehabilitation and education programs at DeKalb County Jail provide inmates with vital opportunities for personal advancement and successful reintegration. Within the START Program, specifically designed for inmates charged with felony drug abuse, individuals receive comprehensive components, including HIV risk reduction education, life skills training, and facilitated substance abuse treatment. This multifaceted approach incorporates partnerships with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), creating a robust support system that encourages recovery.
Educational offerings extend extensively throughout the facility. Vocational training programs in collaboration with Goodwill Industries focus on practical fields such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and commercial maintenance, equipping inmates with marketable skills. Georgia Piedmont Technical College oversees GED and Adult Basic Education classes, having successfully aided over 3,000 inmates to achieve their high school equivalency certification.
Participation in the Ready to Work program and Northeast Alabama Community College provides workforce-ready skills training, leading to more than 60 certificates awarded to female inmates, thus bolstering their employability upon release.
In addition to these educational advancements, the jail is strongly committed to rehabilitation through its Work Release Program and the Inmate Workforce initiative. These programs grant inmates the opportunity to gain work experience and save the county approximately $1 million each year through labor performed by inmates. Inmates who meet the eligibility criteria, which often include compliance with facility regulations and successful program completion, engage in meaningful work that prepares them for community reintegration.
Life skills training emerges as a critical component of the rehabilitation strategy, enhancing inmates’ ability to navigate societal challenges post-release. The recently renovated Career Learning Center accommodates 44 students and features comprehensive courses that address essential competencies needed for everyday life and employment. This facility is backed by major corporate sponsorships, further illustrating the community’s investment in reducing recidivism through education and skill development.
Completion requirements for these various programs vary but often involve consistent attendance, active participation, and successful assessments across educational and vocational courses. These structured measures ensure that inmates acquire knowledge and skills and cultivate a sense of responsibility and achievement, laying the groundwork for successful reintegration into society.
This holistic rehabilitation model demonstrates a clear pathway from confinement to community contribution, fostering a culture of growth and potential within the jail system.
Visitation, Mail & Communication Guidelines
The DeKalb County Jail facilitates various visit types to help inmates maintain connections with their friends and family. On-site visits require advance scheduling during designated hours, specifically from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM and 4:00 PM to 9:50 PM. Video visitation offers a convenient alternative, allowing inmates to communicate via monitored video calls that can be scheduled through approved systems.
Potential visitors must undergo an approval process to participate in on-site visits. Individuals must present valid government-issued identification and appear on the inmate’s pre-approved visitation list. In addition to these requirements, visitors must adhere to strict dress codes that stipulate appropriate attire, ensuring a respectful environment that aligns with the facility’s regulations.
Visitor conduct is monitored diligently, with critical conduct requirements in place. Any misconduct during a visit, whether in person or via video, can result in immediate termination of the session. Special housing units such as 8NE Pod 400 and 3SW Pod 200 enforce restricted visitation privileges, which limits the visiting rights of inmates in these areas.
Families may have specific policies regarding children visiting the facility. Parents or guardians must supervise minors at all times and ensure that children comply with dress codes and conduct requirements to foster a safe visiting environment.
Correspondence through mail is primarily limited to pre-metered postcards, which must be addressed appropriately to guarantee delivery. Senders must include their complete information alongside the inmate’s name, SPN number, and cell location. These strict mail procedures are designed to ensure timely and efficient communication.
In addition to traditional mail, the jail offers telephone system access, enabling inmates to make calls to approved contacts. Phone calls are typically monitored for safety and security, maintaining facility protocol compliance.
Electronic communication expands avenues for maintaining contact through specialized services like Penmate and Securus. These platforms allow inmates to send messages electronically, enhancing their capacity to connect with their loved ones efficiently. The combination of these communication options supports inmates’ emotional well-being while upholding necessary security measures.
Inmate Legal Rights & Resources
Inmates at DeKalb County Jail benefit from fundamental legal rights that ensure they receive fair treatment while safeguarding facility security and order. Basic rights include access to legal resources, enabling inmates to prepare for their cases effectively. The jail offers law library services, providing essential legal materials that help individuals understand legal processes. Inmates can also access court services, allowing them to participate in court proceedings to uphold their due process rights.
Maintaining open lines of communication with attorneys is pivotal for inmates. The facility protects confidential attorney-client communications, ensuring that legal discussions remain private and secure. Inmates can schedule visits with their attorneys, facilitating direct consultations crucial for case preparation. The process for these visits is governed by specific policies prioritizing legal access and security within the facility.
The grievance system provides inmates a structured means to address concerns regarding their treatment or conditions within the jail. Inmates can submit written complaints, which the facility must document and address on time. This system fosters impartiality and accountability, ensuring grievances are taken seriously and managed effectively.
Addressing special needs is also critical to inmate rights at DeKalb County Jail. The facility facilitates access to medical, dental, and mental health services, allowing inmates to request necessary healthcare confidentially. This includes accommodations for individuals with dietary restrictions due to medical or religious beliefs. Inmates receive prescribed medications and nutritional supplements to maintain their health, ensuring compliance with legal standards while considering institutional safety.
For those seeking release, the jail provides bond information and assistance. Inmates can inquire about their bond status and required amounts, allowing them to explore options for release from custody. This information is crucial, empowering individuals to navigate their legal situations more effectively.
The coordinated effort in addressing inmates’ legal and health needs underscores the facility’s commitment to upholding essential rights while balancing security and order.
DeKalb County Jail Release Process & Reintegration
The DeKalb County Jail prioritizes a thorough release planning process, ensuring each inmate’s journey back to society is well-structured and supportive. Upon approaching release, inmates engage in completion requirements specific to various rehabilitation programs, such as the START Program, which focuses on drug rehabilitation and life skills, particularly tailored for felony drug offenders. Successful completion enhances their skills and serves as a critical step towards gaining essential employment opportunities post-release.
Employment assistance is key, as inmates are connected with local employers who are willing to hire individuals with criminal records. For instance, partnerships with local businesses facilitate job fairs that welcome returning citizens, providing them a pathway to sustainable incomes.
Alongside employment support, housing assistance programs offer crucial resources, guiding individuals to transitional housing options available within the community. For example, supportive housing initiatives can accommodate those needing stable living arrangements while they secure employment.
Continued treatment options are integral to maintaining progress after release. Inmates are encouraged to enroll in aftercare programs following the initial rehabilitation processes, helping them manage substance use disorders and reinforcing life skills necessary for long-term recovery.
Family reunification support plays a pivotal role in these efforts, allowing individuals to reconnect with their families through emotional and logistical support. This re-establishment of family ties can significantly decrease the likelihood of recidivism, providing both psychological stability and practical assistance during the challenging reintegration phase.
Community resource connections extend beyond immediate release, with agencies collaborating to offer ongoing support and guidance.
Performance Metrics & Compliance Reports
DeKalb County Jail actively upholds operational standards that ensure safety and efficiency, particularly since the systematized integration of Enterprise Corrections software. This technological advancement has cut inmate release processing time by an impressive 50%, swiftly reducing the duration from 5-8 hours to just 2-4 hours.
Implementing electronic file management and document scanning has enhanced data accuracy and lessened physical storage requirements, positioning the facility to manage information more effectively.
Compliance monitoring remains a critical focus, as evident from recent inspections that brought attention to specific deficiencies. The 2014 Office of Detention Oversight inspection revealed 12 shortcomings across six DeKalb County Detention Center standards in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Challenges centered on admission procedures, environmental safety, and medical care prompted immediate and strategic corrective actions. Policy revisions for property audits exemplify the facility’s proactive approach to addressing these areas, reinforcing its commitment to meeting and exceeding compliance requirements.
Incident statistics underline the efficacy of various programs, significantly impacting population management. This facility’s community corrections program, operational from 2010 to 2022, is a prime example, generating substantial savings of $5,569,725 by providing alternatives to incarceration through community-based supervision.
Each day of incarceration costs the facility $53.96, considerably lower than the rates set by the State Department of Corrections. Such financial efficiency allows the facility to allocate resources toward further technological enhancements and improved monitoring services, all while focusing on reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.
Budget allocation reflects a streamlined approach to fiscal responsibility, ensuring that funds are distributed judiciously to enhance staff training and program execution.
Enhanced staff training programs equip personnel with critical skills, fostering an environment of professionalism and safety. As staff members grow more knowledgeable and proficient, their capacity to manage complex inmate interactions and maintain order escalates, which is crucial in a facility tasked with housing diverse populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Inmates Have Successfully Completed Rehabilitation Programs in the Past Year?
Based on available data, the START program and other rehabilitation initiatives show partial success rates, though specific annual completion numbers are not directly provided in the background information.
What Percentage of Released Inmates Find Employment Within Three Months?
Specific data on three-month post-release employment rates is not available. Research indicates employment status significantly impacts recidivism, making it a critical focus of reentry programs and ongoing studies.
How Does the Jail’s Budget Compare to Other County Facilities?
DeKalb County Jail’s $129,304 housing budget exceeds the typical range for similar-sized county facilities, with most comparable jails operating within $60,000-80,000 annually for inmate housing costs.
What Is the Average Length of Employment for Correctional Officers?
Based on an analysis of correctional officer resumes, the average employment duration is 1-2 years, with 35% of officers falling within this tenure range and only 17% serving 11+ years.
How Many Emergency Medical Situations Occur at the Jail Monthly?
Specific monthly emergency medical situation data is not publicly available. While emergency services are provided 24/7 through Armor Health, exact incident numbers are not disclosed in current documentation.