History

Use this website for informational purposes only.

The Josephine County Jail, located in Grants Pass, Oregon, has a rich and complex history dating back to the mid-19th century. The first jail in Josephine County was built in 1858, a log cabin located on what is now Main Street in Grants Pass. This jail served the county for only a few years, as it was deemed inadequate and unsanitary.

CLICK HERE to Search for Incarcerated Friends or Family Members

The Second Jail

In 1864, a second jail was constructed, this time made of stone. This jail was located on the corner of SW 6th and D Streets in Grants Pass. The second jail was larger and more secure than its predecessor, but it too eventually became overcrowded and unsanitary.

The Third Jail

In 1922, the third and current Josephine County Jail was built. This jail was located on the corner of SW 7th and G Streets in Grants Pass. The third jail was a state-of-the-art facility for its time, featuring modern plumbing and heating, as well as a secure cell block. The third jail served the county for over 50 years, but by the early 1980s, it was again overcrowded and in need of major repairs.

The Fourth Jail

In 1986, a fourth jail was constructed, this time located on the corner of SW 10th and K Streets in Grants Pass. The fourth jail is a modern, secure facility that meets all state and federal standards. The fourth jail has a capacity of 256 inmates, and it is staffed by a team of dedicated and professional correctional officers.

The Jail Today

Today, the Josephine County Jail is a vital part of the county's criminal justice system. The jail houses inmates awaiting trial, as well as those sentenced to short-term jail sentences. The jail also provides a variety of programs and services to inmates, including addiction treatment, mental health counseling, and educational opportunities.

Challenges Facing the Jail

The Josephine County Jail, like many jails across the country, faces a number of challenges. These challenges include:

• Overcrowding: The jail is often overcrowded, with inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor. This overcrowding can lead to health and safety concerns for both inmates and staff.
• Understaffing: The jail is also understaffed, which can lead to burnout and high turnover among correctional officers. This can also make it difficult to provide inmates with adequate care and services.
• Mental Illness: A significant number of inmates in the jail have mental illness. This can make it difficult to manage the jail population and provide inmates with the care they need.
• Addiction: Many inmates in the jail are struggling with addiction. This can lead to recidivism and make it difficult for inmates to successfully reintegrate into society after their release.

Efforts to Address Challenges

The Josephine County Jail is working to address these challenges in a number of ways. These efforts include:

• Expanding the jail: The jail is currently undergoing a major expansion project that will add 96 new beds to the facility. 
• Hiring more staff: The jail is also working to hire more correctional officers. This will help to reduce overcrowding and improve safety and security at the jail.
• Providing mental health and addiction treatment: The jail offers a variety of mental health and addiction treatment programs to inmates. These programs help inmates to manage their illnesses and reduce their risk of recidivism.
• Working with community partners: The jail is working with community partners to provide inmates with job training, education, and other reentry services. This helps inmates to successfully reintegrate into society after their release.