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Inmate Programs

Visiting or Contacting an Inmate

Main Phone: (775) 785-4244

INMATE PROGRAMS

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office offers several self-help programs to the inmates. In 2006 over 20,626 inmates participated in these programs. Many inmates are ordered by the court to attend a specific program or counseling as part of their sentencing.  Some take advantage of the opportunity to begin programs in jail while others simply participate for self-improvement.  The Inmate Commissary Fund privately funds the programs.     

There are currently six specialized programs being offered:

·        GED (General Educational Development)

·        Alcoholics Anonymous

·        Narcotics Anonymous

·        Domestic Violence

·        Substance Abuse and Self Esteem

·        Religious Services

All programs are State Certified and are offered to inmates who voluntarily enroll.  Qualified inmates participating in these programs are given the opportunity to apply for Alternative to Incarceration Programs such as House Arrest and Sheriff’s Community Work Program (SCWP).

An inmate may finish counseling and education programs while in custody. Others may begin while in custody and continue outside the jail setting, without interruption, when their sentence is complete or when placed on electronic monitoring.

Currently, efforts are being made to expand employment counseling to inmates prior to release from custody. The transition from incarceration back to the community is an important focus of the provided programs. If an inmate is unemployed, training and employment assistance enables an inmate to take on responsibility and become a contributing member of the community.

Instructors from Truckee Meadows Community College teach the GED Program. It is funded by TMCC. Studies show that an inmate who earns a diploma or GED while incarcerated is more employable and less likely to return.   In 2006, 449 inmates attended education classes and 78 earned a GED.

There are many benefits of the in-custody programs. Making the programs available immediately allows the inmate an opportunity to obtain the “training” needed to handle responsibilities, which gives the inmate a better understanding of how to manage personal circumstances. In addition, while completing all jail commitments, the inmate is able to seek counseling, complete court ordered conditions and pay fines and fees related to court cases. This has contributed to the reduction in “Failure to Comply with Court Order” warrants.

Several chaplains provide spiritual guidance to inmates. Bibles and religious materials have been donated by various religious organizations. Volunteers from several different local denominations hold religious services.

The Detention Facility has a Resource Center Administrator who maintains a library for the inmates and delivers books on a biweekly basis. The inventory of Spanish language books has seen a great expansion over the past year.