Jail Facts
Jail Facts
What Jail Deputies Do
Jail Deputies actively monitor and provide direct services to adults in custody (AICs). Specifically, they complete bookings, screen for medical and mental health issues, and inventory and secure AIC property. In addition, they monitor behavior, determine release eligibility, and complete release documents. Under the guidance of our jail nurse, Deputies also administer medications and carry out AIC medical orders.
Beyond daily operations, our division safely transports AICs to contract rental beds in other counties. Deputies also maintain security at the historic Benton County Courthouse.
About the Benton County Jail
The Benton County Jail sits next to the historic Benton County Courthouse in downtown Corvallis. Built in 1976, the facility covers approximately 8,000 square feet.
Originally, the jail housed 27 adults in custody. Over the years, remodeling expanded capacity to 40 beds. However, Deputies cannot house all 40 AICs together at the same time. Oregon state law requires the separation of men and women. It also requires Deputies to segregate AICs based on the nature of their crime. Furthermore, those with mental or behavioral health issues must be housed separately. As a result, the jail reaches capacity at an average of 28 to 34 inmates.
How We Manage Jail Capacity
The Sheriff’s Office actively manages jail capacity using several strategies. First, we rent beds in other county facilities. Second, we release AICs early when appropriate. Third, we temporarily close the jail to new arrestees. Despite these efforts, some individuals who would otherwise remain in the Benton County Jail must be released due to limited bed space.
