The official capacity of the Main Jail is 887 inmates. Overcrowding of inmates at the jail violates minimum jail standards. These violations are presented to a judge who may grant an exemption for short periods of time. Overcrowding has been occurring for at least 15 years. Prior Grand Jury reports have recognized this problem and brought it to the attention of the Board of Supervisors.
Food service is provided by the jail staff and inmates.
As of this writing, a site for the North County Jail is being considered. County funding used to be provided to the Law Library, but was discontinued in 1992. Assistance of approximately three hours a month is provided by the County Law Library, with no separate county-provided funds for that purpose. It also found that there are copies of the Federal Index, without pocket updates, Advance Sheets, and Dissolution of Marriage forms. Inmates may make copies free of charge, receive postage for mailing legal papers, and have access to a typewriter.