Study and planning efforts are underway for the future of the Vista Detention Facility.
Sheriff Kelly Martinez provided a presentation on the State of County Detention Facilities before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, November 7.
The Board unanimously approved adding resources to enhance a study looking to modernize the Vista Detention Facility. The approval will also allow the Sheriff’s Department to seek consulting services to identify potential revenue measures to support the recommendations of the study once they are identified.
The ongoing study will assess whether renovations or new construction would be the best path forward. It will also evaluate current standards and look at ways to improve jail operations. The goal is to serve the long-term needs of the incarcerated by enhancing healthcare services, substance use disorder recovery services and reentry programs to help break the cycle of crime.
Vista Detention Facility
The Vista Detention Facility was built in 1970. It is the only jail serving partner law enforcement agencies in the North County for arrests and booking. With constant occupancy and use, detention facilities typically exceed their useful service life after thirty years and are due for a major renovation or replacement.
A more comprehensive study will do the following:
Evaluate the existing condition of the building or infrastructure.
Identity facility capacities and services.
Assess what is required of a modern facility that focuses more on a supportive and rehabilitative environment.
Coordinate stakeholder engagement
Provide a timeline, cost and funding sources for implementing plans to either renovate or build a new jail.
The front of a jail facility, a concrete building with an American flag waving in a blue sky. The building is surrounded by green grass and trees.
With this study, the Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a comprehensive and careful examination of various options to anticipate future modern incarceration needs aiming to reduce the likelihood of returns to custody and promote successful reintegration into society.
Sheriff Kelly Martinez says, “This study is about our fundamental commitment to safety. By investing in a modern jail facility, we can provide state-of-the-art medical and mental health services to the people in our care. It will also significantly improve the working conditions of our dedicated employees. A safer and more efficient environment will ultimately result in better rehabilitation opportunities for the incarcerated and improve public safety.”
People in custody in a classroom, sitting in a circle listening to an instructor during a drug rehab program.
Today’s State of County Detention Facilities update sheds light on how the department has significantly moved the needle toward improved and enhanced care through policy changes and program development. However, a significant piece impacting the department’s efforts is aging infrastructure which limits the ability to provide a level of care that is required for modern incarceration, programming and other services.
Sheriff Martinez appreciates the Board’s support on elevating the Vista Detention Facility study and is hopeful for its outcome especially for those in custodial care, as well as employees who serve the facility.
