The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office today announced that the number of daily inmates housed in the Mesa County Detention Facility dropped to the lowest levels seen since March 2016. Throughout the month of November 2023, the Mesa County Detention Facility housed an average of 377 inmates daily.

The Mesa County Detention Facility, originally built in 1992, has expanded to accommodate a 553-bed capability. Prior to COVID-19, the Facility regularly reached capacity, leading to the consideration of a Facility expansion project. Due to COVID-19, the Facility population decreased and the project was put on hold. Post-COVID-19, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Mesa County Behavioral Health and our law enforcement and judicial partners, created programs to reduce recidivism, improve post-release outcomes, and support the mental health of inmates.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office provides a variety of programs within the Facility and has partnered with external programs and agencies to improve post-release outcomes. While inmates are housed at the Mesa County Detention Facility, they have access to the Inmate Transition Program and Jail Based Behavioral Services programs. The Inmate Transition Program works to prepare inmates for success once they leave jail, such as bringing in the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain valid government issued identification cards, identifying and arranging housing, referring employment programs, and coordinating continuation of care through community based services and programs.

The Jail Based Behavioral Services (JBBS) programs provided in the Mesa County Detention Facility include the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program and Competency Enhancement Program (CEP). The Substance Use Disorder program provides inmates with essential life skills such as emotional management, healthy coping skills, and healthy relationship building. The Competency Enhancement Program identifies inmates suitable for outpatient restoration, develops community transition plans in collaboration with community based agencies, and provides support and resources after the transition out of jail.

“The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office aims to create a successful and effective model that other detention facilities choose to emulate,” said Sheriff Todd Rowell. “Our work doesn’t end with lowering the inmate population and reducing recidivism; we are actively working on improving and increasing our program and service offerings to make Mesa County a better place for all.”

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that this would not be possible without the dedication of our medical, mental health and criminal justice partners who are committed to improving our community.