Colusa County Jail
County Jail | Colusa County County — California | Colusa County California Sheriff's Office
Colusa County Jail is located at 929 Bridge Street in Colusa, California, serving as the primary detention facility for Colusa County. Operating under the California Department of Corrections, this medium to maximum security facility houses both male and female inmates with a capacity of 92 beds. The jail has been operating since 1962 under the administration of Sheriff Joe Garofalo and his staff.
Families seeking to locate inmates can conduct inmate searches through the Colusa County Sheriff's Office. Services available include sending money to inmates, scheduling visits, and accessing arrest records. The facility processes bookings, holds pre-trial detainees, and houses sentenced inmates serving county jail time in this rural Northern California community.
Colusa County Jail serves one of California's smallest and most rural counties, with Colusa County having a population of approximately 21,000 residents spread across agricultural communities. This 92-bed facility operates as the sole detention center for the entire county, handling everything from initial bookings to housing sentenced inmates. The jail's location on Bridge Street in downtown Colusa places it within the historic county seat, which has maintained its small-town character since the 1800s. Unlike larger urban county jails that process thousands of inmates, Colusa County Jail serves a tight-knit agricultural community where staff often have deeper familiarity with the local population they serve.
Colusa County Jail Data & Statistics:
| Avg. Daily Population | 52 |
| Total Confined | 52 |
| Full-Time Employees | 10 |
| Part-Time Employees | 1 |
*Statistical data from census.gov
Colusa County Jail houses a diverse population of male and female inmates in separate housing units. The inmate population primarily consists of individuals arrested within Colusa County's jurisdiction, which covers approximately 1,151 square miles of predominantly agricultural land. The facility holds pre-trial detainees awaiting court proceedings in Colusa County Superior Court, as well as sentenced inmates serving county jail terms. Given the rural nature of the county, offenses typically include property crimes, drug-related violations, domestic violence cases, and DUI arrests. The jail also houses inmates with outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions and those awaiting transfer to state prison facilities. Special populations may include inmates requiring medical supervision or protective custody arrangements within the facility's limited classification options.
Colusa County Jail provides housing in a facility built in 1962, with inmates separated by gender and security classification. Male and female inmates are housed in distinct sections of the 92-bed facility. Inmates receive three meals daily prepared according to county jail standards and dietary requirements. Recreation opportunities are provided within the constraints of the facility's size and staffing levels, typically consisting of scheduled outdoor recreation time in secure areas. Medical services are available through contracted healthcare providers who address routine medical needs, medication management, and emergency situations. Mental health services are provided to inmates requiring psychological support or crisis intervention. The facility maintains a formal grievance process allowing inmates to address concerns regarding their treatment, living conditions, or facility operations through written requests submitted to jail administration for review and response.
Colusa County Jail offers limited programming appropriate for a small county facility holding both short-term and longer-term inmates. Educational opportunities may include access to reading materials and correspondence courses for inmates seeking to continue their education during incarceration. Substance abuse programming addresses the needs of inmates struggling with drug and alcohol dependencies through educational materials and group sessions when available. Religious services are coordinated through local clergy and volunteer chaplains who provide spiritual support to inmates of various faiths. Re-entry planning assistance helps sentenced inmates prepare for release by connecting them with community resources, housing assistance, and employment opportunities. The availability and frequency of programs depend on facility resources, staffing levels, and the length of an inmate's stay at this county jail.
Work assignments at Colusa County Jail provide inmates with opportunities to earn good time credits while maintaining facility operations. Inside work assignments include kitchen duties assisting with meal preparation and distribution, facility cleaning and sanitation, laundry services, and general maintenance tasks. Trustee inmates who demonstrate responsible behavior may be assigned to work details outside the housing units under staff supervision. Given Colusa County's agricultural economy, eligible inmates may participate in supervised work programs supporting county operations or community service projects. These work assignments help reduce idleness, teach responsibility, and allow inmates to contribute to the facility's daily operations while serving their sentences.
Colusa County Jail was established in 1962 to replace earlier detention facilities that had served the county since its formation in 1850. The Bridge Street location has housed the county jail for over six decades, serving the detention needs of this small Northern California county. The 92-bed capacity was designed to accommodate the population of a rural county where agriculture has remained the primary economic driver. Throughout its history, the facility has operated under various sheriffs, with Sheriff Joe Garofalo currently overseeing operations. While the jail has not experienced major expansions or notable incidents drawing statewide attention, it has continuously adapted to changing correctional standards and legal requirements. Today, Colusa County Jail continues fulfilling its essential role as the county's sole detention facility, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates while maintaining security and order in one of California's most rural counties.
Visitation at Colusa County Jail allows approved family members and friends to maintain contact with inmates through scheduled visits. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and will be subject to search procedures before entering the facility. The dress code prohibits revealing clothing, clothing resembling inmate uniforms, and items that could pose security concerns. Potential visitors should expect to complete an approval process, which may include background screening. Visitation scheduling and specific visiting hours vary, so families should contact the facility directly before traveling to confirm current policies and availability. Children may be permitted to visit with appropriate adult supervision. The facility maintains strict rules regarding conduct during visits, and violations may result in termination of the visit or loss of visitation privileges.
Mail sent to inmates at Colusa County Jail should be addressed with the inmate's full legal name, followed by the facility address at 929 Bridge Street, Colusa, CA 95932. All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and security concerns. Books and magazines must typically come directly from approved publishers or vendors rather than personal senders. Inmates can make outgoing phone calls through the jail's telephone system using prepaid accounts established by family members through approved vendors. Families should contact the facility to learn about specific phone service providers and account setup procedures. All phone calls are subject to monitoring and recording except legally privileged communications with attorneys. Email or electronic messaging systems may be available through third-party vendors contracted by the facility.
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Quick Facts
Should I Be Concerned? — Family Guide
Colusa County Jail maintains a medium-maximum security classification with zero reported staff assaults, suggesting a relatively stable facility environment. With a capacity of 92 inmates and unknown current occupancy, conditions appear manageable. Visitors should expect standard security protocols including screening and searches; plan to arrive during official visiting hours and bring valid identification for entry.
Neighborhood & Getting There
Colusa County Jail is located in downtown Colusa, a small rural community in northern Sacramento Valley, approximately 90 miles north of Sacramento and 40 miles south of Red Bluff. The facility sits on Bridge Street near the county courthouse and government offices. The region is agricultural with limited lodging; visitors often stay in nearby cities like Williams or Sacramento. Highway 20 provides primary access, with most amenities concentrated downtown.