Clackamas County Jail

The Sheriff on the Jail's Future

We’re committed to making our Jail the best it can be. In February 2005 we brought in the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to do an overall assessment. Their audit included recommendations to bring the Jail up to NIC standards by updating our policies and procedures.

We’ve worked with consultants to create a Master Staffing Plan to cut unnecessary overtime. A Needs Assessment is helping us determine how to best serve inmates for the next 20 years. Audits are helping us make the most of our medical and kitchen facilities. And our Master Facility Plan prepares the Jail for decades of growth.

In December 2006, shortly after the passage of our levy -- and after an in-depth study by a citizen Blue Ribbon Committee -- the  Clackamas County Board of County  Commissioners unanimously agreed to earmark $50 million towards construction of a new Adult Detention Facility in a phased approach.

At that time, the Commissioners also agreed to construct the first phase of a new, expanded jail at the Red Soils site, with a planned completion date of 2010.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the County Commission and SERA Architects on the jail-planning process. This includes doing a cost analysis of building and operating each of the different phases.

We’re also working on the Sheriff’s office facility needs -- as well as a five-year strategic plan for the entire Sheriff’s Office and proposed amendments to the 20-year Red Soils master plan -- to more closely reflect public-safety needs.

We’re proud of our highly rated facility and the deputies who staff it. As Clackamas County continues to grow, I want to educate the community about the challenges we face -- and work with you to find real and lasting solutions. Together, we’ll keep finding ways to keep the residents of Clackamas County safe and sound.

-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts