Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility in San Diego County

Table of Contents

1. Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility in San Diego County: An Overview
   • List: Key Information at a Glance
2. History and Location
3. Booking and Classification
4. Visitation and Communication
   • FAQs
5. Reentry and Rehabilitation Programs
6. Conclusion
   • Key Learnings

Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility in San Diego County: An Overview

The Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility, located at 451 Riverview Parkway in Santee, California, is the primary booking center for women arrested in San Diego County. As one of the most comprehensive facilities in the region, it offers a range of services and programs aimed at addressing the needs of inmates while ensuring public safety. This article explores the history, structure, and operations of the Las Colinas Detention Facility, providing an in-depth look at its role within the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

History and Location

Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility (LCDRF) has been a central part of the San Diego County correctional system since its construction in 1967. It serves as the primary detention and booking center for women in the county, located in Santee, ensuring accessibility and security. Situated in Santee, the facility is a critical component of the county’s law enforcement infrastructure.

Booking and Classification

The booking process at Las Colinas begins when women are arrested in San Diego County and transported to the facility. Once at the detention center, they go through a thorough intake process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and obtaining personal information. This process also involves a comprehensive classification system designed to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff.

Open booking is a unique feature of Las Colinas Detention Center, allowing inmates to be processed in a more open environment than in traditional jail settings. This approach facilitates smoother transitions and reduces the stress often associated with the booking process. The classification system at Las Colinas Jail includes various levels, ensuring inmates are housed in appropriate areas based on their risk level and criminal charges.

Facility Design and Services

The Las Colinas Detention Facility, a key women’s facility, has undergone significant renovations, with the most recent one designed by HMC Architects and KMD, transforming the facility into a modern detention center. The reimagined structure provides a variety of housing options and emphasizes reentry services, helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society.

The facility includes multiple holding cells, a range of vocational programs, and extensive reentry services to support inmates as they navigate the criminal justice system. Inmates have access to telephones, commissaries, and a variety of programs designed to promote personal growth and rehabilitation. The facility also allows for social visits, which are scheduled through a visitation system.

Visitation and Communication

Visitation at Las Colinas is a critical aspect of maintaining inmate morale and encouraging positive behavior. The facility offers both in-person and video visitation, with visitors required to adhere to strict guidelines. Visitors must schedule their visits in advance and follow specific rules regarding allowed items, such as leaving purses and car keys outside the visitation area. These measures ensure the security and safety of all involved.

Visiting hours are typically scheduled throughout the week, with social visits allowing inmates to connect with loved ones. However, visits may be canceled at any time due to rule violations or operational needs. The use of technology, including the Securus system, has streamlined the visitation process, allowing for remote video visits that can be scheduled at convenient times.

FAQs

1. Where is the Las Colinas Detention Facility located?
   • The facility is in Santee, San Diego County, at 451 Riverview Pkwy.
2. What is the primary function of the facility?
   • It’s the primary booking and detention center for women arrested in San Diego County.
3. What is open booking?
   • Open booking at Las Colinas Jail allows inmates to be processed in a more open, less stressful environment.
4. What services does the facility offer for reentry and rehabilitation?
   • Las Colinas offers vocational programs, educational resources, and reentry services to support inmates’ reintegration into society.
5. How is visitation handled at Las Colinas, a detention facility in the county of San Diego?
   • Visitation includes both in-person and video visits, with scheduled times and specific rules for visitors.
6. What are the security measures in place at the facility?
   • The facility has a range of security measures, including deputies, classification levels, and controlled visitation, to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.

Reentry and Rehabilitation Programs

Las Colinas Detention Facility is more than just a jail; it is a center focused on reentry and rehabilitation. The facility offers a variety of vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and increase their employability upon release. These programs, along with access to books and magazines, are designed to promote personal development and reduce recidivism.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department oversees the operations at Las Colinas, ensuring that inmates are provided with opportunities to improve their lives while serving their sentences. The facility’s emphasis on reentry services sets it apart from traditional detention centers like the San Diego Central Jail, fostering a more rehabilitative approach to incarceration.

Conclusion

The Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility in San Diego County is a critical component of the local criminal justice system. It serves as the primary booking center for women and provides a range of services aimed at rehabilitation and reentry. With its modern design, open booking process, and comprehensive programs, the facility is a model for other detention centers seeking to create a more humane and practical approach to incarceration. Whether through visitation, vocational training, or reentry services, Las Colinas plays a crucial role in supporting inmates as they work toward a better future.

Key Learnings

• Innovative Approach: The facility’s open booking system offers a more humane approach to incarceration.
• Reentry Focus: Las Colinas provides various programs aimed at rehabilitation and reentry to reduce recidivism.
• Modern Facility in the County of San Diego: The newly designed structure at Las Colinas Jail accommodates a range of housing options and supports the needs of inmates.
• Visitation Flexibility: Inmates have access to in-person and video visitation, allowing them to maintain connections with loved ones.
• Community Impact: The facility plays a crucial role in the county’s criminal justice system, with a focus on safety, security, and rehabilitation.