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Jail Closure

Jail Closure

The Benton County Jail has two holding cells and two waiting rooms. Staff use these rooms to process new arrestees. Additionally, these are the only rooms available for intoxicated, uncooperative, or suicidal Adults in Custody (AICs).

Therefore, when these rooms are full, the Sheriff’s Office closes the Jail to new arrests.

What Does It Mean to Close the Jail?

When the Sheriff’s Office closes the Jail, deputies and officers cannot process new arrestees. Because the Benton County Jail is the only jail in the county, all arresting agencies must bring individuals to this facility. This includes arrests made by:

  • Corvallis Police
  • Philomath Police
  • Albany Police (North Albany)
  • Oregon State Police
  • Benton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies

As a result, a closure affects law enforcement county-wide — not just the Sheriff’s Office.

What Happens During a Closure?

When the Jail cannot accept new arrests, the responding officer or deputy faces a critical decision. They must choose to either cite and release the individual or hold them until the Jail reopens.

If the officer decides — for public safety reasons — to hold the individual, they must keep the arrestee under constant surveillance until space opens up. Consequently, that officer or deputy becomes unavailable to respond to emergency
calls elsewhere in the county.

In short, a Jail closure creates a direct impact on public safety response across Benton County.

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