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Board approves behavioral health unit at county jail; adds two sergeants, deletes three correctional-officer positions
Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 to establish a Behavioral Health Unit at the county Justice Center and to amend the personnel roster to add two custody sergeants while deleting three correctional-officer positions to staff and supervise the unit.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 on Tuesday to create a Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) at the Justice Center Detention Facility and to amend the county classification list to add two custody sergeants and delete three correctional officers for initial supervision staffing.
What the board approved: The board adopted a resolution amending the list of numbers and classifications to add 2 FTE custody sergeants and delete 3 FTE correctional officers in the sheriff’s office custody division to provide direct supervision and coordination for the BHU. The motion passed by roll call with a vote of 5–0.
Why the BHU: Undersheriff Brad Duall described the unit as “a step up, step down designated housing unit for incarcerated persons diagnosed with a mental health condition.” County presenters said the BHU is intended to concentrate clinical and custody resources to give people with serious mental‑health needs specialized, consistent programming and more out‑of‑cell time, while reducing incidents and staff assaults in general-population housing.
Unit design and operations: County officials plan to use modules A–F on the Justice Center’s second floor to house up to roughly 90 people in a step‑up/step‑down array. The BHU will include:
- A behavioral-health assessment intake area. - Three BH levels (BH1–BH3) to match acuity and permissions for socialization and programming. - Integrated clinical staffing (county and contracted mental-health clinicians, psychiatry) and multidisciplinary reviews for sanctions and step decisions.
Capt. Dan Castillo and Lt. Castillo described shift staffing that combines custody officers dedicated to the BHU and tower/security coverage; the model includes 12‑hour coverage and program-focused correctional staff to increase out‑of‑cell time and structured programming seven days per week.
Programming and goals: Renee Smith, a licensed clinical social worker with the county, described a treatment model using individualized care plans, graduated behavioral incentives and therapeutic interventions (art and music therapy, cognitive behavioral work, substance-use treatment where indicated) and strong reentry planning coordinated with county behavioral-health services and community partners. The unit will also incorporate a point-based incentive system tied to therapeutic milestones.
Budget and staffing: Finance staff said one‑time facility improvements and furniture purchases (protective TV enclosures, acoustic panels, new tables/chairs and officer workstations) totaled about $154,000 and were funded from the inmate welfare fund. The ongoing staffing plan asks to add 2 custody-sergeant positions and delete 3 correctional-officer positions; that net change yields an estimated personnel savings for next fiscal year of about $240,000. Other ongoing program costs (inmate incentives, clothing, materials) are proposed to be funded from the inmate welfare fund when possible.
Board reaction and next steps: Supervisors praised the multi-year planning and noted the unit’s potential to reduce staff assaults and improve continuity of care. The board approved the resolution and asked for regular updates on outcomes and implementation. Staff said the county will move forward with facility conversions and final staffing, with a phased ramp-up tied to training and contracts.
