History
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St. Johns County Jail traces its origins back to 1888 when the county constructed a two-story brick building to house its prisoners. This facility served as the county's sole detention center for over 70 years.
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Expansion and Modernization (1961-1990)
In 1961, the county expanded the jail with a new 120-bed facility. As the population grew, so did the need for additional space, leading to another expansion in 1984. By 1990, the jail had a capacity of approximately 300 inmates.
Major Renovation and Expansion (1991-2010)
In 1991, the county embarked on a major renovation and expansion project that lasted for several years. The renovation included upgrades to the existing facilities and the construction of new housing units, a medical unit, and a work-release program. By the project's completion in 2010, the jail had a capacity of over 500 inmates.
Current State (2011-Present)
Today, St. Johns County Jail is a modern and state-of-the-art detention facility. It has a capacity of approximately 1,200 inmates and is staffed by a team of over 300 sworn and civilian employees. The jail provides a wide range of programs and services for inmates, including:
- Educational programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Vocational training
- Religious services
- Visitation
Recent Developments
In recent years, St. Johns County Jail has undergone several significant developments:
- Expansion of Mental Health Services: The jail has expanded its mental health services to provide a more comprehensive range of care for inmates with mental illness. This includes the addition of a new mental health unit and the hiring of additional mental health professionals.
- Implementation of Body-Worn Cameras: All sworn jail staff are now equipped with body-worn cameras, which are used to record interactions with inmates and visitors. This measure is intended to increase transparency and accountability.
- Construction of New Housing Unit: A new housing unit is currently under construction at the jail. This unit will provide additional capacity for inmates and will include modern amenities such as air conditioning and in-cell toilets.
Challenges and Future Directions
St. Johns County Jail faces a number of challenges, including:
- Overcrowding: The jail is frequently overcrowded, which can lead to safety and security concerns. The county is exploring options to address overcrowding, such as expanding the jail or implementing diversion programs.
- Mental Health Crisis: The jail sees a high number of inmates with mental illness. The jail is working to improve its mental health services and to collaborate with community partners to provide continuity of care for inmates after their release.
- Recidivism: Many inmates at St. Johns County Jail have a history of recidivism. The jail is working to implement programs and services that aim to reduce recidivism, such as education, job training, and substance abuse treatment.
The future of St. Johns County Jail is bright. The jail is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for inmates and staff, while also providing a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their return to the community.