High Desert Detention Center: San Bernardino Hub

Table of Contents

  1. Informative List
    • State Prison
    • 2022 Contract
    • Adelanto ICE Processing Center
    • San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Warden
    • Operations
    • Detention and Custody
    • Special Events and Vocational Training
    • Supervision and Safety
    • Visitor Regulations
  2. Location and Structure
  3. Operational Scope
  4. Inmate Management and Housing
  5. Visitation and Legal Correspondence
  6. Coordination with Other Agencies
  7. Conclusion
  8. High Desert Detention Center FAQs
    • Visitation Hours
    • COVID-19 Safety Measures
    • Coordination with Other Agencies
    • Vocational Training Programs
    • Role of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
  9. Key learnings
Artistic depiction of the exterior of High Desert Detention Center in a desert setting.
The imposing facade of High Desert Detention Center under the clear desert sky.

The High Desert Detention Center in San Bernardino County stands as a critical hub within California’s network of correctional facilities, including beds designated for incarcerating individuals awaiting trial or sentencing. Located in the city of Adelanto, this center plays a pivotal role in housing inmates and facilitating detention and corrections in the County of San Bernardino. As part of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, this facility serves a complex array of functions, from processing and holding inmates to coordinating with various law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Let’s take a closer look at the operations, regulations, and unique characteristics of this prominent detention center.

Informative List

  • State Prison: High Desert Detention Center serves inmates from various locations, including California State Prison, and functions as a crucial part of the prison complex in Adelanto.
  • 2022 Contract: Updated contracts in 2022 impacted facility operations and partnerships, including adjustments for special events planning and supervision by traffic officers.
  • Adelanto ICE Processing Center: Nearby processing center for immigration and customs enforcement.
  • The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department warden is the governing body responsible for facility management at the High Desert State Prison.
  • Operations: The facility operates from a.m. to p.m. with strict visitation and documentation requirements to manage the prospective visitors efficiently, including guidelines for package senders.
  • Detention and Custody: HDSP manages a range of inmates, from those awaiting trial to longer-term incarceration.
  • Special Events and Vocational Training: HDSP offers special events and vocational training to inmates.
  • Supervision and Safety: Facility staff are required to wear masks and follow safety protocols due to COVID-19, a directive overseen by the facility’s administrator.
  • Visitor Regulations: Visitors must request appointments and follow set safety protocols.

Location and Structure

The High Desert Detention Center (HDSP) is situated at 9438 Commerce Way in Adelanto, California. The facility’s strategic location allows it to serve as a central hub for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, providing easy access to transportation, court appearances, and visitor appointments. The center’s layout includes various housing units designed to accommodate different levels of security and inmate populations. Its design also facilitates the effective management of large inmate populations while maintaining strict compliance with regulations and safety standards.

Operational Scope

HDSP’s operations are extensive, encompassing the housing and management of inmates, coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and overseeing a range of services for detainees. The facility operates under the jurisdiction of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which ensures that all activities comply with state and federal regulations. The center’s responsibilities include processing new inmates, managing existing prison populations, and coordinating with external agencies for transfers, court appearances, and other legal proceedings.

Inmate Management and Housing

The facility’s housing units are designed to accommodate a diverse inmate population, from individuals awaiting trial to those serving sentences for various offenses. The High Desert Detention Center follows strict protocols to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. This includes compliance with rules and regulations, adherence to safety standards, and coordination with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to maintain order, especially during special events planning.

Inmates at HDSP are housed in different units depending on their security classification, with separate areas for male and female inmates, ensuring that bed space is managed according to the needs and safety requirements. The facility also provides vocational training and mental health services to support inmates in their rehabilitation and eventual transition back into society. These programs are designed to reduce recidivism and help inmates acquire skills that can aid in their reintegration, incorporating small group activities for personalized support.

Inside view of a detention center's common area with inmates.
Structured daily life within the confines of a detention center.

Visitation and Legal Correspondence

The High Desert Detention Center has a structured visitation policy to ensure the safety and security of the facility, with a strict process for package senders. Visitors must call in advance to schedule appointments, and visits are limited to specific days and times. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the center has implemented additional safety measures, including mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and reduced visitation hours. Visitors are required to comply with these rules to gain entry.

Legal correspondence and communication with inmates are also tightly regulated, with specific guidelines for the sender of packages. Legal representatives and attorneys can communicate with their clients through approved channels, ensuring that inmates have access to legal counsel. The center facilitates legal visits and correspondence while maintaining strict security protocols.

Coordination with Other Agencies

The High Desert Detention Center collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. The facility serves as an essential reception center for detainees and inmates who are transitioning between different correctional facilities or awaiting immigration proceedings. Coordination with these agencies is critical for ensuring compliance with federal regulations and maintaining the security of the facility, especially in the context of transferring inmates to and from the Nevada jurisdiction.

Additionally, HDSP works closely with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to ensure the smooth operation of the facility. Deputies and correctional officers are responsible for overseeing daily operations, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of all personnel within the facility.

Conclusion

The High Desert Detention Center in San Bernardino County is a vital component of California’s correctional system. Its strategic location, comprehensive operations, and collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies make it a key hub for detention and corrections. With its focus on safety, compliance, and inmate rehabilitation, HDSP plays a crucial role in the broader criminal justice system, serving as a link between various entities and ensuring the smooth operation of the disciplinary process.

High Desert Detention Center FAQs

  1. What are the visitation hours for the High Desert Detention Center, a key center in Adelanto?
    • Visitation hours typically run from a.m. to p.m., with advanced appointments required.
  2. What safety measures are in place due to COVID-19?
    • Masks and social distancing are mandatory for staff and visitors, with reduced visitation hours.
  3. How does HDSP coordinate with other agencies?
    • HDSP collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, including ICE and DHS, to detain and transfer inmates.
  4. What vocational training programs are available for inmates, including those focused on small group activities?
    • The facility offers a variety of vocational training and skill development programs to support inmate rehabilitation.
  5. What is the role of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in overseeing operations and special events planning at the prison complex?
    • The Sheriff’s Department oversees the facility’s operations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Key learnings

  • Coordination with Agencies: HDSP serves as a critical hub for collaboration between various law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, and supervising traffic officers for special events.
  • Safety and Compliance: The facility follows strict safety and compliance protocols, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Inmate Services: HDSP offers vocational training and other programs, including small group activities to support inmate rehabilitation and transition back into society.
  • Visitor Regulations: Visitors must comply with set safety measures and arrange appointments in advance.
  • Community Impact: HDSP’s operations have a significant impact on the surrounding community and the broader criminal justice system in the County of San Bernardino.
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