Mental Health Unit Opens In Contra Costa Jail

SAN RAMON, CA - Inmates at the Martinez Detention Facility with mental illnesses will no longer be part of the general population at the jail.

After more than a year of remodeling, the jail opened a new mental health module to house inmates who have mental illnesses. Previously, the unit held 52 inmates and now can house only 24 inmates specifically who have mental illnesses.

“I am proud of this new module which is part of the jail modernization we planned many years ago,” Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston said. “Now, inmates who have mental illnesses will have a dedicated housing unit where they will receive mental health treatment, programming, and services, in addition to healthcare.”

The module's design is meant to create a calm environment, reduce stress and be more conducive to therapy, the sheriff's office said. Inmates will be supervised 24/7. The cells are all single-occupancy and five of them are dedicated to acute cases.

The remodel included incorporating the latest technology and best practices for detention facilities including new software, furniture that can help prevent suicides and a design that allows the inmates to be observed more easily. It also includes two private medical evaluation suites.

“This new module sets the standard for these types of detention facilities,” Livingston said. “This reflects the commitment of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Contra Costa County in serving the needs of inmates who are living with mental health issues.”