History of the Sarasota County Jail

Sarasota County Correctional Facility has a unique approach for it utilizes both Linear and Direct Supervision for supervision of inmates. 

Linear Supervision

Direct Supervision

In July of 1956, a new and modern jail was constructed under the helm of Sheriff Ross Boyer. The cost of that jail was $318,000.00 and included an apartment for Sheriff Boyer and his wife on the second floor of the jail. The Sheriff and his wife lived above the jail until July 1962, when staffing was increased and the need for the Sheriff to live in the jail was no longer a necessity.

In August of 1975, under the direction of Sheriff Hardcastle and at a cost of $5.3 million dollars, a second jail was constructed to hold an additional 214 inmates. This jail is still in use today, and is called the West Wing. At the present time, the jail houses females and new arrivals in the facility. The West Wing also contains the Corrections Operations Control Center.

In June of 1987, under the direction of Sheriff Geoffrey Monge, at a cost of $12.2 million dollars, the East Wing Jail opened with additional bed space for 540 inmates. This wing houses sentenced and non-sentenced inmates.

In November of 2002, under the direction of Sheriff William Balkwill, at a cost of $15.5 million dollars, the new "Direct Supervision Facility" was opened. This new facility provides bed space for another 288 inmates. In Direct Supervision, Corrections Deputies work inside the cell block with the inmates 24 hours a day. This concept provides for active and continuous supervision of the inmates to better help Corrections Officers meet the mission statement of providing a safe, clean and quiet environment for inmates and staff. The new addition includes a medical housing floor for 32 inmates, a new kitchen facility, video visitation and administrative offices.