Correctional Division
The philosophy and goals of the Montgomery County Jail are based on the principal and belief that the safety and security if the inmates, staff, and community are above all, the most essential. We constantly strive to provide appropriate supervision and security of the persons entrusted to the Sheriff’s Office care. We strive to meet the human basic needs and to available programs that will help promote a positive environment. Jail programs are designed to instill self-respect and desire for self-improvement while an individual is incarcerated. It is the jail’s ultimate goal to return law-abiding citizens to the community.
The current jail building was reconstructed in 1987 through 1988 at a cost of 1.5 million dollars.
The Correctional Division is a very important division in the county.
Captain Robbie Hall and Lt. B.J. Smith are the supervisors for the Correctional
Division. This division is responsible for the Jail and Jail processes. If not for the
correctional deputies, police officers and
deputies would have nowhere to house criminals in Montgomery County.
The positions for this division include: Administrative
personnel, Correctional Deputies, Transportation Deputy, Jail Classification Deputies,
Jail Records Clerk, Jail Medical Staff, Maintenance Staff, and Jail Cooks. Below
are descriptions of these positions.
The Jail Control Room
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Captain Robbie Hall
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Lt. B. J. Smith
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The Jail Control Room is the hub to the operation of all electronically operated doors in the Montgomery County Jail. The Control Room Operator controls the movement of all persons into, within, and out of the secured areas of the facilities, as well as into and out of the facility. This person can observe all movements through a series of closed circuit, remote controlled television cameras strategically located throughout the facility. The Control Room Operator ensures the safety and security of the inmates and jail staff. This position contacts deputies to respond, in case there is an emergency. Long time employee, Tommy Wood, is the person assigned to the daylight Control Room Operator position. In the other shifts, the sergeant rotates who will be the Control Room Operator for each day.
Correctional Deputies
Correctional Deputies are responsible for guarding inmates of the Montgomery County Jail in accordance with established policies, regulations, and procedures. There are over thirty deputies that work in this division. They observe conduct and behavior of inmates to prevent disturbances and escapes. They inspect locks, window bars, grills, doors, and other physical features for tampering during each shift. They search physical inmates and cells for weapons, valuables, drugs, or other contraband materials. They guard and direct inmates during all work assignments. They patrol the jail for evidence of forbidden activities, rules infractions, or unacceptable behavior by inmates that may happen. The correctional deputies maintain order and security, screen visitors and supervise inmate visitation. They process all incoming prisoners by seizing and recording any personal property that is brought in with anyone incarcerated to safeguard their property. They must take photographs of all incoming prisoners and prepare the necessary booking reports. The correctional deputies direct the release and transfer of prisoners on court orders and bonds.
Transportation Deputy
The Transportation Deputy is responsible for inmate transports to various locations, such as medical facilities, doctor’s offices, dental appointments, and to hospitals for medical treatments that are ordered by a physician. This position completes transports to other jails, courtrooms, prisons, and other mental health facilities in Virginia.
Jail Classification
Deputy Debby Aliff is in charge of Jail Classification at the Montgomery County Jail. She performs numerous duties. She conducts initial orientation and classification interviews with anyone that is incarcerated and she is in charge of all adjustment and classification hearings that take place in the jail. She supervises all inmate housing assignments.
She compiles all general statistical information on inmates that are transferred to the Department of Corrections; compiles inmate general population reports that are sent to the Department of Corrections and the State Compensation Board; and works closely with the Department of Corrections to ensure that inmate time served computation is updated and correct. This position is also in charge of screening and the approval or disapproval of all inmate visitors.
Jail Records Clerk
Deputy Martha Wirt is the Jail Records Clerk. She is responsible for the maintenance and audits of all inmate records. She also reports to all Montgomery County Courts bi-weekly with incarcerated inmate data and provides area probation and parole officers, as well as officers from surrounding jurisdictions pertinent inmate information.
Jail Medical Deputies
Sergeants Jean Trump and William Linkous are our medical deputies in the
jail. Doctor Thompson Berdeen directs the medical unit. The medical staff consists of an LPN, a
certified medical assistant, and an EMT. The medical staff performs all tasks of a medical nature with written direction of the jail physician. Vital signs are taken and recorded as well as all physical findings and in-depth medical information is obtained. These findings are reported to the jail physician. The medical staff assists in the physical exam of all new employees and evaluates inmates daily, both visually and verbally.
The medical staff also acts as a liaison between the jail, mental health professionals, and outside medical doctors and dentists. The medical staff works out of a well-equipped medical office in the jail.
Jail Programs
Deputy George Hindle is the Jail Programs Director. He is responsible for all inmate programs. The programs available to inmates are numerous. They include special education for inmates with disabilities. Inmates that are between the ages of 18 and 22 are identified during classification. If they have received Special Education services in the past and failed to graduate or receive their G.E.D then they are offered this service. There are non-denominational church services that are made available to the inmate population. There is an in-house library. A number of volunteers visit weekly for such organizations as Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) for inmates that are in need of substance abuse counseling. Deputy Hindle also acts as an employment counselor and liaison to outside employment agencies to assist inmates in obtaining employment upon their release. He also maintains a computerized law library that the jail is required to make available to all inmates.
The Montgomery County Jail also has indoor and outdoor recreational areas available to the inmates. The outdoor recreational area is 59 feet by 40 feet in size. It is located on top of the jail building, secured and shielded from view from the courthouse and parking lot. The inside recreational area has a ping-pong table, stair stepper machine, foosball table and a universal weight machine.
Maintenance Deputy
Deputy Larry Davis is responsible for repairs and preventive maintenance required by the sheriff’s office, the jail, or warehouse buildings and equipment. He performs these duties and many more, by also performing the duties of a correctional deputy sheriff. He also supervises inmate work crews and assists the jail kitchen in keeping the food stocked.
Corrections Division Cooks
There are currently two full time cooks and 2 part-time cooks that are assigned to the jail. These dedicated ladies are responsible for preparing all meals served to the inmates, which may range from 125-200 meals at each meal. They coordinate and direct the distribution of meals to the trustees that are assigned to serve the meals. These ladies must keep accurate records of all meals served and the numerous medical and religious diets required by the inmate population.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I send mail to an inmate?
Inmate Mail- Inmates at the Montgomery County Jail are allowed to receive mail. Mail will be given out to inmates as it arrives at the Jail each day, Monday through Friday, except on federal and state holidays. All incoming mail will be opened in the presence of the inmate. All illegal items discovered in the mail will be seized. Money received in the mail will be deposited in the inmate’s financial account. This money should be in the form of money orders or certified check. No personal checks will be accepted. It is not recommended that cash be sent through the mail. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated at our facility, the incoming mail will be promptly forwarded or returned to the sender. C.O.D. and postage due mail will not be accepted.
Inmates may subscribe to and receive through the mail, any newspaper or magazine ONLY if it comes directly from the publisher. The following exceptions are not allowed:
1. Pornographic material;
2. Publications, which violate United States Postal regulations;
3. Publications, which may affect the security of the Jail; or
4. Publications, which could be used to promote illegal activity.
Inmates receiving subscriptions will be responsible for the subscriptions being paid for and forwarded when they leave this institution. There is no limit on the amount of mail that an inmate may receive or send, however accumulations of mail and/or paperwork will be limited to prevent fire hazards, and will be released by the inmate to family or friends.
The mailing address for the Montgomery County Jail is:
INMATE’S NAME
MONTGOMERY COUNTY JAIL
16 SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET
CHRISTIANSBURG, VA 24073
When can I visit an inmate?
Inmate Visitation: An inmate may have up to five (5) visitors listed on an approved visitors list at any one time. These five persons must be cleared and approved before they will be allowed to visit. Changes to an inmate’s visitor list will be in writing and at least a week in advance before the desired visit. Frequent or weekly changes to an inmate’s visitor list will not be allowed.
Designated visiting hours are as follows:
PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OR JUVENILES: SATURDAY 2:00PM-3:00PM
FEMALES: TUESDAY, THURSDAY, OR SATURDAY 6:00PM-7:00PM
MALES: TUESDAY, THURSDAY, OR SATURDAY 7:00PM-9:00PM
All inmates are allowed one fifteen (15) minute visit per week. Inmates may have visitors on only one of the three days listed above.
Rules for visitors regarding visitation:
- All visitors must register.
- All visitors must have proper identification with picture.
- All visitors must be cooperative and orderly.
- All visitors must not litter in the visitation area.
- All children must be at least 15 years of age to enter the facility. If they are under 18 years of age a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. Proof of guardianship will be required.
- All visitors are subject to search.
- All visitors will be properly dressed or they will be denied visitation.
- Any visitor who appears to be under the influence of an intoxicant will be denied visitation: and may be arrested.
- A maximum of 1 visitor will be allowed in the visiting room at a time. A parent of legal guardian must accompany a juvenile.
- Convicted felons will not be allowed to visit inmates; the Jail Captain or Lieutenant must approve any exceptions.
Visitation Restrictions:
Inmates under disciplinary detention, classification holding, or medical isolation will be denied visits from family or friends. This restriction does not apply to attorneys, physicians, bondsmen, or ministers.
What kind of property can I bring an inmate?
Inmate Property: Items that a visitor may leave for the inmate consist of the following items; Eyeglasses, Contacts, Money, Hearing Aids, and Prescription Medications. All items brought into the facility for the inmate are inspected and signed for by the person bringing them in and the receiving deputy. All items brought to the jail for inmates shall be given to the inmate as soon as possible. Inmates once classified have access to Commissary items and may place an order each week.
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