Olmsted County Detention Center

The Olmsted County Sheriff is responsible for the detention of adult prisoners including pre-sentenced, sentenced, federal boarders, and work release. Staff is also responsible for court security.

The adult detention center (ADC) is located in the Olmsted County Government Center located at 101 4th Street SE, Rochester Minnesota 55904-3719. The telephone number is 507 328-6790.

The electronic home monitoring office is also in this building adjacent to the ADC lobby.

The ADC is a direct supervision facility with a rated capacity of 202 beds of which 16 are dedicated to female detainees. The work release facility (WRF) annex capacity is 60 males and 30 females. The ADC also houses detainees for the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, other county and state organizations.

The ADC offers educational, recreational and religious programming for detainees. The maximum security facility opened in 1993 with 100 beds, expanded to 112 beds in 1994, 126 beds in 1996, 138 beds in 1999, 148 beds in 2001 and 202 beds in 2005. The WRF opened in 2003 and houses detainees that have work release privileges, sentenced to service, and minimum security detainees.

The facilities are operated by a chief deputy, 2 captains and 80 detention deputies. In addition, there are 55 community volunteers that provide education, counseling, library and religious services. Food service, vending, detainee phones, and health care are contracted services. A mental health team manages detainees that present challenges due to illness. Rochester public schools provides teachers for Adult Basic Education and GED classes. There is a citizen based program advisory committee that meets to determine current population needs and gives citizen perspective on operations.

The adult detention center has a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and harassment. If you are aware of any detainee that is experiencing or has experienced sexual abuse or harassment please use any of the following methods to report:

1. Contact the chief deputy during business hours at 507 328-6837.
2. Contact the on-duty supervisor any time at 507 328-6790.
3. Contact law enforcement dispatch any time at 507 328-6800.
4. Contact Olmsted County Victim Services crisis line any time at 507 289-0636.

What is the total size of the Detention Center?

60,000 square feet, compared to 12,480 square feet in the previous facility.

What is the size of the typical cell?

A regular cell is 70 square feet and handicap accessible cells are 90 square feet.

What is the capacity of the Adult Detention Center/Work Release Facility?

202 beds ADC/90 beds WRF.

Is there room for expansion?

The Work Release Facility was built to allow expansion of an additional 90 beds. The maximum security ADC has been doubled bunked to it's capacity and has no additional space.

Why are there no bars?

Bars are expensive to construct, maintain and are not conducive to the Direct Supervision Model. Modern building materials make bars an obsolete method of security.

Why is there a rubber floor in the activities area?

Rubber is safer, therefore reducing the liability to the county by reducing injuries. Vinyl tile is responsible for 4 to 6 times as many injuries.

How are the doors operated?

Doors are activated electronically with an emergency key override.

Why are there so many windows?

The MN Dept of Corrections standards require natural light be available in detainee areas. Some windows provide lines of site to help staff see their area of responsibility better. Windows that provide natural daylight in common areas are conducive to staff health and well-being.

Are all the cells the same?

No. fourteen cells are equipped as high-security cells with heavier doors, locks and stainless steel fixtures. These cells cost $5,100.00 per cell more (in 1993 dollars) than a typical direct supervision cell, The Direct Supervision Model allows us to utilize fewer high-security cells, which saved Olmsted County taxpayers approximately $400,000.00 in construction costs.

Why are there different colored doors and door frames in the facility?

For easy identification by Master Control via color television monitors. Also to provide a pleasant environment for staff.

Why are there pink cells in the booking area?

A lengthy study on the effect of color on violent detainees has proven that the color "Baker Miller Pink" provides the most calming effect.

How many detainees are booked annually?

Approximately 4,000.

How many beds may be used by the United States Marshal's Service for prisoner boarding?

As many beds as are not being used by local agencies. Any available beds are routinely for sale to reduce the tax burden on Olmsted County citizens.

What is the revenue for federal detainees?

The United States Marshal's Service pays Olmsted County $75.00 per day per detainee.

What types of crimes have detainees committed to be placed in the Detention Center?

A large percentage of detainees have been charged with drug related offenses and crimes associated with drug use.

How do detainees receive visitors?

You can get information on visiting at www.ICSolutions.com or call 1-888-506-8407. On-site video visiting and off-site video visiting is available. Each detainee can receive one free visit per day but can receive two additional paid visits off-site.

What type of clothing do detainees wear?

Detainees wear detention center issued clothing at all times.

Do attorneys, correction workers and bonding agents have access to detainees?

Yes. Visiting rooms and interview rooms are available for professional visits.

Is the staff safe in this type of detention center?

The Direct Supervision Model has been proven to be a safer working environment for staff than traditional linear models.

What kind of training is required for detention staff?

Initially, staff are exposed to 160 hours of intensive classroom based training. A field training program lasts 3-4 months depending on the deputy, the trainer and the schedule. Continuing education consists of a minimum of 40 hours per year and the subject matter is determined through needs assessments.