Jail

The Maricopa County Jail system plays a critical role in ensuring public safety and justice within the region. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), this network of facilities is designed to house individuals facing criminal charges, whether they are pre-trial detainees, convicted criminals, or individuals serving sentences. This article will explore the facilities that make up the Maricopa County AZ Jail system, the services provided to inmates, and the various operational aspects of these jails.

Overview of Maricopa County Jail Facilities

Maricopa County's jail system is composed of several facilities spread across the Phoenix area, each designed to accommodate different types of detainees based on security classifications, gender, and other factors. These facilities ensure the county's ability to manage its incarcerated population, maintain safety, and rehabilitate offenders.

4th Avenue Jail

The 4th Avenue Jail is a prominent facility in the Maricopa County Jail system, located at 201 South 4th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Built in 2005, this jail has an inmate capacity of approximately 2,064 beds spread across 577,883 square feet. The 4th Avenue Jail is known for housing the highest-security inmates within a Special Management Unit. It offers various inmate programs and medical services, including a dedicated medical clinic and psychiatric staff.

Security Features: The facility's security classification includes male maximum and medium security, with separate units for various levels of inmate custody. Its design limits inmate movement to maintain safety and operational efficiency.

Unique Features: It features multiple medical clinics, educational programs, and a specialized legal services area to support inmates' legal rights.

Learn more about 4th Avenue Jail

Towers Jail

The Towers Jail, situated at 3127 West Gibson Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85009, is one of the older facilities in the county, having opened in 1982. With a bed capacity of 720, it primarily houses male medium-security inmates. Although it is the smallest jail in the MCSO system, it plays a crucial role in accommodating pre-trial detainees.

Security Classification: This facility houses medium-security inmates, with a focus on maintaining a secure environment for those awaiting trial.

Facility Design: The design includes six separate housing units, each with four pods. The facility’s age and smaller capacity are offset by the efficiency of its layout.

Learn more about Towers Jail

Watkins Jail

Opened in 2020, Watkins Jail is a state-of-the-art facility located at 2680 South 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009, with a capacity of approximately 1,600 inmates. This jail operates under a strategic inmate management model designed to encourage positive behavior through direct supervision.

Innovative Programs: The jail offers programs such as Choose to Change and MOSAIC, aiming to reduce recidivism by helping inmates make better life choices.

Design: The facility's design encourages interaction between inmates and detention staff, improving safety and accountability. It is one of the most modern facilities in the MCSO system.

Learn more about Watkins Jail

Estrella Jail

Located at 2939 West Durango Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009, Estrella Jail has a capacity of 1,503 beds and houses female inmates of all security classifications, including minimum, medium, and maximum security. This facility also offers work assignments and rehabilitation programs.

Female Inmates: Estrella Jail is one of the primary detention centers for female inmates in Maricopa County, offering programs that align with the goals of the county's Smart Justice initiative.

Facility Design: Comprising five tower housing units and ten dormitories, Estrella Jail provides a secure environment with work assignments aimed at rehabilitation.

Learn more about Estrella Jail

Lower Buckeye Jail: The Largest Facility

The Lower Buckeye Jail is the largest detention facility in Arizona, located at 3250 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85009. It spans 670,237 square feet and houses over 2,400 inmates. Lower Buckeye is designed to handle a wide range of inmate classifications, from minimum to maximum-security levels.

Diverse Population: The facility houses both male and female inmates, including those in restrictive housing and juveniles. A significant portion of the inmate population at Lower Buckeye is assigned to work in various facility operations.

Special Features: Lower Buckeye has several specialized housing units, a chapel, a medical clinic, and an infirmary, along with surveillance systems to ensure safety and security.

Learn more about Lower Buckeye Jail

Intake, Transfer, and Release (ITR) Facility

The ITR Facility is a critical part of Maricopa County's jail system, designed to process detainees and facilitate inmate transfers within the MCSO system. Located at 2670 South 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009, this facility plays a key role in intake and release operations.

Efficient Processing: The ITR is built to handle up to 100,000 bookings and 90,000 releases annually. It features four fully functional courtrooms for streamlined legal processes.

Temporary Holding: Inmates may be temporarily held in the 512 Facility, located within the ITR complex, before being transferred to longer-term facilities.

Learn more about ITR Facility

512 Facility: Short-Term Holding

The 512 Facility, also located at 2670 South 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009, is designed for short-term stays of up to 72 hours. This facility functions as a buffer, assisting in the intake process and helping to minimize transportation of detainees between facilities.

Capacity and Design: The facility houses up to 512 inmates and supports a strategic inmate management system that emphasizes positive reinforcement and direct supervision.

Safety Features: The design includes secure housing units with dedicated medical examination rooms, allowing for immediate access to medical and mental health services.

Learn more about 512 Facility

Transportation Hub: Efficient Movement of Inmates

The Transportation Hub, located at 2670 South 28th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009, is responsible for coordinating the movement of inmates between the various jails, courts, and other locations throughout Arizona. The unit provides critical logistical support within the MCSO system.

Specialized Units: The transportation fleet includes buses, passenger vans, and specialized vehicles to move inmates securely. In 2019, the system managed over 300,000 inmate movements.

In-State Extradition: The In-State Extraditions Unit is tasked with transporting inmates to and from various facilities within Arizona, supporting law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

Learn more about Transportation Hub

Inmate Services and Programs

The Maricopa County Jail system offers a range of services and programs designed to support both the physical and mental well-being of inmates. These services aim to improve rehabilitation prospects and ensure that detainees receive necessary medical and psychological care during their incarceration.

Medical and Mental Health Services

Inmates in Maricopa County jails have access to a range of health services, including general medical care, dental, psychiatric support, and emergency care. Each facility has dedicated medical staff to ensure that inmates' physical and mental health needs are met.

Correctional Health Services: Managed by Maricopa County, this division is responsible for providing healthcare within the jails, including regular medical check-ups, mental health assessments, and emergency medical treatment.

Learn more about Correctional Health Services

Educational and Vocational Programs

Inmates at various Maricopa County Jail facilities have access to educational and vocational training programs. These programs are designed to equip inmates with skills they can use after release, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Choose to Change and MOSAIC Programs: These initiatives focus on behavioral change and encourage inmates to make positive life decisions, thus helping them break the cycle of incarceration.

Learn more about inmate programs

Contact Information for Maricopa County Jail Facilities

Here are the key departments and their contact details related to the Maricopa County Jail system:

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO)
Address: 550 W Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-876-1000
Website: www.mcso.org

Correctional Health Services (CHS)
Address: 301 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-876-7100
Fax: 602-372-9142
Website: www.maricopa.gov/1179/Correctional-Health-Services

Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court
Address: 620 W Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-372-5375
Website: www.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov

Maricopa County Superior Court
Address: 201 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-3204
Website: www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
Address: 301 W Jefferson Street, 10th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-506-1776
Website: www.maricopa.gov/224/Board-of-Supervisors

Maricopa County Jail FAQs

What Are the Inmate Visitation Rules at Maricopa County Jails?

Visiting inmates at Maricopa County jails is possible through remote video visitation or onsite video visitation. To participate, visitors must create a validated account with ViaPath for remote visits or sign up for onsite visits. Visitors must comply with the jail's strict rules, including dress codes and behavior expectations. For a comprehensive guide to visitation rules, please refer to the MCSO Video Visitation Rules.

How Can I Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account?

Depositing funds into an inmate's account is essential for enabling them to make phone calls or use other services. Maricopa County allows deposits through several methods: online, by phone, or at cash kiosks at the jails. You can visit the Inmate Account Deposits page for more detailed instructions.

What Services Are Available for Inmates in Maricopa County Jails?

Inmates in Maricopa County jails have access to various services, including medical care, mental health services, educational programs, and vocational training. Some jails, like the Watkins Jail, also offer innovative programs aimed at reducing recidivism, such as Choose to Change and MOSAIC. For additional inmate support services, you can check the Custody Bureau Information.

How Do I Get Inmate Information in Maricopa County?

If you are looking for details about a specific inmate, including their charges, release date, or visitation status, Maricopa County provides an online system to search for inmate information. For more information, visit the Inmate Information page.