Washoe County detention officials report seasonal population rise, program transports saved thousands of jail days

Captain John Stewart, who oversees detention services, delivered the Washoe County Regional Detention Facility third‑quarter FY26 status report on May 12. He said the facility’s average length of stay was 15.91 days and that, at the time of his presentation, the jail population was about 1,217 inmates.

Stewart provided a suite of metrics including medical refusals (56), grievances (71), complaints (111) and ER referrals (134). He told commissioners the facility typically sees population increases in spring and summer, which can affect incident rates and length of stay.

Captain Stewart highlighted inmate programs intended to reduce jail time and recidivism. The inmate assistance program provided 5,355 jail days saved through transports and program placements, which the presentation estimated equates to roughly $867,000 in savings by diverting people to services such as Salvation Army programs and court‑linked treatment options.

Commissioners asked about operational details. Vice Chair Garcia asked whether a microtransit hotline and rides for released inmates were functioning; staff said the flex rides and pickup procedures were working. Commissioners also requested detailed figures on ICE detainee costs and federal reimbursements; Stewart and county staff said the cost‑per‑day estimate from a contractor used in the federal contract is the most reliable figure but that staff would continue refining the accounting and return numbers to the board.

The board thanked staff for the report and asked for follow‑up on program success rates, including whether transports increased compliance with community programs compared with prior practice.