Jail Operations

Providing a Safe and Humane Environment

The Chesterfield County Jail is committed to providing a safe and humane environment for those persons committed to our care and custody and to preparing offenders the best we can to be ready to have a successful reintegration into the community as law-abiding citizens. Our staff's first priority must be the security of the facility and the safety of those persons therein. View the jail staff directory.

Bonding Information

All bonding activities take place at the Magistrate's Office, which adjoins the Chesterfield County Jail. To speak with an on-duty Magistrate, call 804-748-1410. The Magistrate's Office is open 24/7. For questions regarding an inmate's bond status, call 804-748-1476.

Posting Bonds

A third party posts a bond. This may be accomplished through friends, family or bonding companies. Bonding companies may be found on the internet.

Release Process

All inmates being released can be picked up at the side gate adjacent to the Magistrate's Office. Due to paperwork verification and out-processing requirements, court releases and/or bonds can take up to 30-minutes before the inmate is physically out the door.

Inmate Visitation, Correspondence and Accounts

Visitation

Visitation Rules

  • All registered visitors must be 18 years or older; visitors under age 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult.
  • There is a maximum of four visitors per single video visit; no more than three family members or friends in addition to the registered visitor.
  • Valid photo identification must be presented to staff by the primary registered visitor at the time of check-in.
  • Any video visits will be terminated without warning if any of the following violations are detected:
    • Acts that encourage sexual behavior, disrobing (all visitors must be fully dressed), or nudity
    • Behavior or acts that are criminal under state, local or federal statute
    • Irrational or unethical behavior that is deemed as inappropriate or perceived as a threat to the safety and security of the facility
    • Obscene gestures or use of gang signs or acts that encourage or promote gang activity
  • All video visits are recorded and monitored by jail security staff.
  • Any violation of these restrictions will lead to suspension or termination of visitation privileges.

Regular Visitation - Video Visitation

All visits are conducted off-site by computer, phone or tablet and are scheduled through the visitation website. To schedule a visitation, you must be added to the inmates' approved visitor list,  be a registered visitor, be over age 18 and billing information is required. 

Most Inmates are allowed one 25-minute video visit per week by no more than four persons. Appropriate attire is required during video visits. Attempts to make 3-Way visits are not allowed.

If you have any questions, call the video visitation information line at 855-208-7349.

Note: If you have not registered or the inmate has not added you to their approved visitor list, you will not be authorized to visit.

Professional Visitation - Video or In-Person Visitation

Professional visits, which are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis, are allowed and are not counted against an inmate's regular visitation limits. Such visits are only allowed during normal weekday business hours unless prior authorization from jail administration is received.

Professional visitors must complete to statement of understanding form (PDF) and return it in person at the jail or by email. For assistance with professional visitation requirements, call 804-318-8017.

Out of Town and Special Visits - In-Person Visitation

Out of town (more than 100 miles away) or special visits must be pre-approved by a jail supervisor. If approved, visitors must produce a valid photo identification; there is a four-person maximum for all visits. To be pre-approved, please call 804-748-1829 or 804-768-7327.

Inmate Programs

In-Jail Work Programs

Workforce

This a program that allows sentenced inmates to shorten the amount of time they spend in the jail by working on county or state property. Participants must be physically capable to perform manual labor as duties may include:

  • Landscaping
  • Snow removal
  • Trash pick-up
  • Other maintenance duties

Background Check and Medical Exam

Prospective participants will be subject to a background check and medical examination.

Qualifying for the Program

Persons with a prior history of escape, sex crimes, drug distribution or other violent crimes may not qualify for this program.

Workforce Types

  • Inmate Workforce: Five crews working to clean up the highways, County historical sites, courthouses, fairgrounds, and the parks. The County has estimated that this one effort of inmate-performed work provides an annual saving of more than $250,000. This program also provides emergency cleanup during natural disasters (i.e. Hurricane Floyd).
  • Weekender Workforce: A program for non-violent offenders who receive weekend time. This saves the county money by performing cleanup jobs at the schools. This program keeps costs down by not having to house the offenders at the jail.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 is a federal law established to support the elimination and prevention of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in correctional systems. PREA addresses both inmate-to-inmate sexual assault and staff-to-inmate sexual assault. The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office has Zero-Tolerance in support of the guidelines set forth in this law.

Zero-Tolerance Policies - Intake, Housing and Video Monitoring

The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office implements its Zero-Tolerance policies through a facility-wide systematic process that begins when inmates are initially admitted into the facility.

Intake 

  • When inmates are initially admitted into our intake area their rights to be free from sexual abuse and harassment is explained in detail to them.
  • An assessment is conducted on every inmate to determine their individual risk of victimization or predation using an objective measurement tool based on specific risk factors. This tool will determine housing and program assignments for each inmate.
  • Inmates are informed regarding reporting options through the inmate handbook, posters in living areas, dissemination on video screens and staff who are educated on PREA standards.

Housing
Inmates at the facility are housed in living units called housing pods. Each pod is grouped together in a pentagonal arrangement to create direct observation of all corridors to minimize blind-spots.

Video Monitoring
Video monitoring is utilized throughout the jail facility to enhance security and surveillance. Every year the jail administrator and the facility PREA coordinator review video camera numbers and locations to ensure the safety of all staff and inmates.