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The Umatilla County Jail is a medium-security correctional facility located in Pendleton, Oregon. It is the primary jail for Umatilla County and houses adult inmates awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as those serving short-term sentences.
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Background and Construction
In the 1860s, Umatilla County was experiencing a rapid increase in population due to the discovery of gold in the nearby Blue Mountains. This led to an increase in crime, and the county's existing jail, located in a small log cabin, was no longer adequate.
In 1864, the county commissioners approved the construction of a new jail. The jail was built using local materials, including sandstone and basalt, and was completed in 1866. The jail was a two-story building with a total of 24 cells.
The jail was expanded in 1903 to add a third story and a new wing. The expansion increased the jail's capacity to 72 inmates.
In 1972, the jail was remodeled to improve its security and living conditions for inmates. The remodel included the addition of a new control room, new security cameras, and new cells.
The jail was expanded again in 1997 to add a new wing for female inmates. The expansion also included a new medical unit and a new library.
The jail has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since 1994.
Capacity and Population
The Umatilla County Jail has a capacity of 224 inmates. The jail's average daily population is approximately 180 inmates.
The jail is staffed by approximately 60 employees, including correctional officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and a jail administrator.
Programs and Services
The Umatilla County Jail offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including:
- Educational programs: Inmates can earn their GED or high school diploma while incarcerated.
- Vocational training programs: Inmates can learn a trade, such as welding or carpentry, while incarcerated.
- Substance abuse treatment programs: Inmates can receive treatment for drug or alcohol addiction while incarcerated.
- Mental health counseling: Inmates can receive counseling for mental health issues while incarcerated.
- Medical care: Inmates have access to medical care while incarcerated.
Controversies
The Umatilla County Jail has been the subject of several controversies over the years.
In 2014, the jail was sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for allegedly violating the rights of inmates with mental illness. The lawsuit alleged that the jail failed to provide adequate mental health care to inmates, which led to several suicides.
In 2016, the jail was sued by a group of inmates who alleged that they were subjected to excessive force by jail staff. The lawsuit alleged that jail staff used excessive force to restrain inmates, which resulted in several injuries.
The jail has also been criticized for its high recidivism rate. In 2017, the recidivism rate for inmates released from the Umatilla County Jail was 47%. This means that nearly half of the inmates released from the jail were arrested again within three years.
Reforms
In response to the controversies and criticisms, the Umatilla County Jail has implemented a number of reforms in recent years.
In 2015, the jail adopted a new policy on the use of force. The policy prohibits the use of excessive force and requires jail staff to use only the amount of force that is necessary to maintain order and safety.
In 2016, the jail began offering a new mental health program for inmates. The program provides inmates with access to mental health care, including counseling and medication.
In 2017, the jail launched a new reentry program for inmates. The program provides inmates with job training, housing assistance, and other support services to help them successfully transition back into the community after their release from jail.
The reforms that have been implemented at the Umatilla County Jail have led to a decline in the number of lawsuits and complaints against the jail. The jail's recidivism rate has also declined in recent years.
The Umatilla County Jail is a complex and controversial institution. It is a place where people are incarcerated, often against their will, and where they may be subjected to violence, abuse, and neglect. However, the jail is also a place where people can receive help and support to turn their lives around.
The reforms that have been implemented at the Umatilla County Jail in recent years are a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of crime and recidivism.
One important step is to invest in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Many people who are incarcerated have mental health or substance abuse problems. These problems can lead to criminal behavior, and they can also make it difficult for people to successfully transition back into the community after their release from jail.
Another important step is to provide inmates with job training and education programs. This can help inmates to develop the skills they need to find jobs and support themselves after their release from jail.
Finally, it is important to address the issue of poverty. Poverty is a major factor in crime and recidivism. People who live in poverty are more likely to be exposed to violence, abuse, and neglect. They are also more likely to lack access to education, job training, and other resources that can help them to improve their lives.
By investing in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, job training and education programs, and poverty reduction programs, we can help to reduce crime and recidivism and make our communities safer for everyone.
