GARRETT COUNTY DETENTION CENTER
The Sheriff of Garrett County is responsible for protecting the citizens of Garrett County. The Detention Center was established in 1978.
Lt. Mike
Bittinger
is the Jail Administrator.
The Detention Center is currently located in Oakland, Maryland and remains the only holding facility in the County. The facility can house up to 64 inmates and holds both pre-trial and sentenced inmates of all security classifications.
The Detention Center is mandated to provide for the safety of the inmates that are placed in their care by providing a humane living environment, while also providing a safe working environment for the staff. The main concern of the Detention Center is, the physical, emotional and psychological well being of inmates. Various programs are also provided to aid inmates with their reintegration into society.
INMATE FACILITIES
The Detention Center was originally constructed to house 22 inmates. Due to the increase in the inmate population it was expanded to house approximately 64 inmates, which includes accommodations for 8 females and 4 juveniles. Inmates can be held in our facility who are sentenced to not more than 18 months.
PROGRAMS
There are several programs available to inmates:
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Work Release Program
Inmates who are sentenced to the Garrett County Detention Center may participate in the Work release program upon the recommendation of the sentencing judge and upon approval of the Warden,
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G.E.D. Classes
Sponsored by Garrett County Community College the classes are available to those inmates who request to participate and meet basic eligibility requirements.
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Jail Substance Abuse Programs
A 13 week program designed to educate inmates who have a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse. The program is sponsored by Garrett County Addictions Services.
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
This program is run by Inmates who have been approved by the Administrator. Participation in this program is voluntary.
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Mental Health Counseling
Mental Health Counseling is provided by the Garrett County Health Department.
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Religious Services
The Detention Center offers each inmate the opportunity to visit with a variety of religious personnel representing different denominations on a regular basis.
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Commissary
Inmates may purchase various items, such as; hygiene items, stationary needs and snacks at their own expense from the Jail commissary.
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Indigent Services
Items are provided at no cost to those inmates who have no funds.
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Medical Services
Medical services are overseen by a staff Physician to meet the medical needs of inmates in our care. Emergency services are provided by local EMS agencies and local hospital.
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State Highway Work Crew
Inmates as assigned may work on a State Highway work crew, performing various duties within the County on State Roads.
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LASI (Library Assistance State)
LASI provides reference services to inmates and to aid the Division of Corrections and other agencies in meeting their "Access to the Courts" obligation.
- Misc.
Inmates participate in offering their assistance to the County Landfill and to towns requiring services.
Inmates who have earned a "Trustee" status also perform various duties within the Detention Center and Sheriff's Office. The duties performed are under the Detention Center supervision.
STAFFING
Currently the Detention Center employs in addition to the Jail Administrator, an Asst. Jail Administrator, 20 full time certified Corrections Officers and 5 part time Corrections Officers. Correctional Officers must complete a Correctional Academy as approved by the Maryland Correctional Training Commission.
The Academy consists of approximately 5 weeks of training. In addition, each Corrections Officer must complete eighteen hours of approved in-service training annually in order to maintain their Correctional Officer certification.
INFORMATION
Information concerning incarcerated inmates at the Garrett County Detention Center is available to the public. Such information will be provided contingent upon the safety and security of the facility, inmates and staff and in accordance with applicable state laws.
DETENTION CENTER: PHONE: 301-334-5055 FAX: 301-334-1931