Adams County Detention Facility
County Jail | Adams County County — Colorado | Adams County Colorado Sheriff's Department
Adams County Detention Facility is located at 150 North 19th Avenue in Brighton, Colorado, approximately 20 miles northeast of Denver. Operated under the Colorado Department of Corrections, this facility houses male inmates across all security classifications from minimum to maximum custody. With a current population of 1,218 inmates and a total capacity of 1,345, the facility serves Adams County and surrounding jurisdictions. Chief Roger Kelley oversees daily operations at this multi-level detention center.
Families seeking information about inmates at Adams County Detention Facility can use inmate search tools to locate their loved ones, verify housing assignments, and check arrest records. The facility provides multiple options for families to stay connected, including scheduled visitation, phone privileges, and mail correspondence. Understanding facility procedures for sending money and approved communication methods helps maintain important family connections during incarceration.
Adams County Detention Facility stands apart as one of the few county-level facilities in Colorado that houses inmates across the entire security spectrum from minimum to maximum custody. Originally constructed in 1986 and significantly renovated in 2000, the facility combines both pre-trial detention functions with sentenced inmate housing under a single administrative structure. This dual-purpose design allows Adams County to maintain local custody of inmates who would otherwise require transfer to state facilities, keeping them closer to families and court proceedings. The facility's strategic location in Brighton provides crucial detention services for Colorado's fifth-most populous county while maintaining operational efficiency through its integration with the Colorado Department of Corrections oversight framework.
Adams County Detention Facility Data & Statistics:
| Year Last Renovated | 2002 |
| Avg. Daily Population | 1218 |
| Maximum Capacity | 1345 |
| Full-Time Employees | 267 |
| Total Employee Salaries | $31,987,981 |
| Assaults on Staff | 1 |
*Statistical data from census.gov
Adams County Detention Facility maintains a diverse inmate population of approximately 1,218 male offenders representing all custody levels. The facility houses both pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings and sentenced inmates serving time for misdemeanor and felony convictions. Offense classifications range from non-violent property crimes and drug-related charges to violent offenses requiring maximum security housing. The multi-level security design allows staff to separate inmates based on classification scores, criminal history, and behavioral factors. Special management units accommodate inmates requiring protective custody, administrative segregation, or enhanced supervision. The facility also houses inmates with pending charges in Adams County courts, allowing them to attend local proceedings without long-distance transport from state facilities.
Inmates at Adams County Detention Facility are housed in units corresponding to their security classification, ranging from open dormitory-style housing for minimum custody to single or double cells in maximum security pods. Each housing unit provides basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared dayroom spaces. The facility serves three meals daily prepared in a central kitchen, with special accommodations for medical diets and religious dietary requirements. Recreation opportunities include both indoor dayrooms and outdoor recreation yards, with access schedules determined by security level and facility operations. Medical services are available through on-site healthcare staff who address routine and urgent medical needs, while mental health professionals provide counseling and psychiatric services for inmates requiring behavioral health support. Inmates may submit written grievances through an established process that addresses concerns about conditions, staff interactions, or facility policies, with administrative review at multiple levels to ensure accountability and fair resolution.
Adams County Detention Facility offers educational programs including GED preparation and adult basic education classes to help inmates improve literacy and earn high school equivalency credentials. Vocational training opportunities provide practical skills development in areas such as custodial maintenance, food service operations, and facility maintenance trades. Substance abuse programming addresses addiction issues through group counseling sessions, educational workshops, and recovery support groups that prepare inmates for continued treatment after release. Religious services and faith-based programming accommodate various spiritual traditions through volunteer chaplains and community religious organizations. Re-entry preparation programs help sentenced inmates develop transition plans, including identification acquisition, housing resources, and employment readiness skills to support successful community reintegration upon release from custody.
Work assignments at Adams County Detention Facility provide inmates with opportunities to develop job skills while supporting facility operations. Inside assignments include kitchen workers who assist with meal preparation and service, custodial crews responsible for maintaining housing units and common areas, and laundry workers who handle facility linens and clothing. Trustees and minimum custody inmates may qualify for additional responsibilities in facility maintenance, grounds keeping, and administrative support roles. These work assignments offer structure to daily routines, teach workplace responsibility, and may reduce sentence time through good behavior credits where applicable under Colorado law.
Adams County Detention Facility was established in 1986 to address growing detention needs in one of Colorado's rapidly expanding metropolitan counties. As Adams County's population surged through the 1980s and 1990s, the original facility quickly reached capacity, prompting a comprehensive renovation completed in 2000 that modernized housing units, upgraded security systems, and improved inmate programming spaces. This expansion increased the facility's capacity to 1,345 beds while incorporating updated detention standards and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance features. Over nearly four decades of operation, the facility has evolved from a basic county jail into a sophisticated multi-custody detention center serving both pre-trial and sentenced populations. Today, Adams County Detention Facility plays a critical role in Colorado's criminal justice system, providing secure custody while maintaining inmates' proximity to family support networks and Adams County courts.
Visitation at Adams County Detention Facility requires all visitors to present valid government-issued photo identification and complete the visitor approval process before being added to an inmate's approved visitor list. Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code that prohibits revealing clothing, gang-related attire, and clothing that resembles facility uniforms or staff apparel. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and all visitors are subject to search procedures before entering visitation areas. Visitation schedules vary based on housing unit assignments and security classifications, with specific days and times designated for different inmate populations. Families should contact the facility in advance to verify current visitation hours, confirm their approved status, and understand any temporary restrictions or policy changes affecting visits.
To send mail to an inmate at Adams County Detention Facility, properly address correspondence with the inmate's full legal name, booking number, facility name, and complete mailing address at 150 North 19th Avenue, Brighton, Colorado 80601. All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and must comply with facility regulations regarding content and acceptable items. Books and magazines must typically be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than personal senders. Inmates have access to telephone privileges through prepaid phone accounts that families can fund, allowing scheduled calls during approved hours. Families should verify current communication policies, including any electronic messaging systems or email platforms that may be available through third-party vendors contracted by the facility.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Adams County Detention Facility maintains a strong safety record with zero staff assaults, indicating effective security management and inmate supervision. The minimum-maximum security classification allows appropriate housing levels for diverse inmate populations. At 90.5% occupancy, the facility operates near but within capacity, which generally supports stable operations. When visiting, plan ahead, follow all security procedures, and arrive during designated visiting hours to ensure a smooth entry process.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Adams County Detention Facility is located in Brighton, Colorado, approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Denver in Adams County. The facility sits in a semi-rural area with convenient highway access via I-76 and US-85. Brighton is a growing community with nearby hotels, restaurants, and services along Main Street. Visitors from the Denver metro area typically spend 45 minutes to an hour driving to the facility. The region offers basic amenities for families traveling to visit inmates.