The Blaine County Jail is one of the oldest operating detention facilities in the State of Idaho. Our current jail facility was built in 1972 with thirty-two (32) beds. Initially, the jail population averaged 2-4 inmates per day. The jail had two (2) full time deputies and was only manned part time. All of the food for the jail was cooked by the local hospital. At that time the population of Blaine County was about 5000 citizens.

Today the jail runs at capacity with twenty-six (26) beds and has a full time staff of sixteen (16) deputies and two (2) bailiffs that operate the detention facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All of the food is now cooked at the jail. The current population of Blaine County is roughly 22,000 citizens. Problems due to over crowding, ventilation, lighting issues, roof leaks, square footage per inmate minimums and other issues with our aging and out of date facility has created lawsuits and violations. Despite facility non-compliance, the efforts of our dedicated staff have kept the jail within the minimum operational standards established by the Idaho Sheriff's Association. In February 2007 Blaine County citizens passed a bond to build a new modern facility. Ground was broken in May 2007 and construction is now underway for the new 76 bed detention facility which will be both operational and facility compliant.

The jail serves as a detention facility for the courts and is required to house inmates from each law enforcement agency in the county. The Blaine County Jail houses offenders of all types, including those arrested, awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanors and certain felonies. Defendants who are sentenced for felony convictions of more than a one year term are turned over to the state prison system for incarceration. Each inmate is given a complete security risk assessment at the time of booking, then classified and segregated accordingly. Due to lack of proper segregation cells in our current facility, juveniles and long term female inmates cannot be held in our facility. Until the new facility is completed Juvenile inmates are transported and held at the Snake River Detention Facility in Twin Falls immediately after booking and female inmates who remain in custody more than 24 hours are transferred to other regional facilities. Detention Deputies transport inmates both to the offsite locations and return the inmates for all court proceedings or releases. The Blaine County Jail currently has two maximum security cells designed to hold dangerous and violent inmates, or those who may be an escape risk. Additionally, there are five general housing cells, one work release cell, a holding cell and a drunk tank cell. The drunk tank cell has pink elephants painted on the cell walls and is used as a short term holding cell for drunken driving offenses, and other offenders who have been booked but have not yet been classified.

DETENTION DUTIES
Being a Deputy in the Blaine County Detention Facility is a highly skilled profession for which deputies receive continual specialized training. Detention Deputies perform a long list of interesting and challenging duties daily. A typical shift may include assisting multiple inmates through the booking and/or release processes including signing inmates in and out for the work release program, assessing security classifications and processing legal and financial documents. Deputies supervise inmates in court, at recreation, and in their cells, transport inmates both to and from other facilities and coordinate for family or attorney visitation. They provide medications up to four times a day, suicide watch every 15 minutes and a meal three times a day in addition to routine security checks. Deputies also arrange for medical, dental and mental health screenings. Our bailiff deputies provide courtroom security for the Blaine County District, Magistrate, and Juvenile Courts. Most importantly, Detention Deputies provide safety and security for all the inmates, staff, visitors and citizens of Blaine County.

HOUSING FEES
All incarcerated Blaine County inmates are charged $25 per day housing fee pursuant to Idaho State Law to assist the county with incarceration costs. Inmates from other counties are charged a $35 per day housing fee. These daily fees pertain to any part of a day spent incarcerated in the Blaine County Jail. There is a maximum of $500 per case, not including probation violations. Additionally, all non-indigent inmates are also charged for all of their in custody medical expenses.

VISITING HOURS
Inmates may have visitors on:
Thursdays  3:00-5:00 p.m.
Saturdays  7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sundays     3:00-5:00 p.m.



JAIL RULES AND REGULATIONS
For a detailed and bilingual listing of the Blaine County Sheriff's Office Jail Rules and Regulations Orientation Information please click her to download our Jail Rules and Regulations Orientation Information Book
Reglas y Regulaciones De La Cárcel Información de Orientación

Click Here to Download Regulations

BOND INFORMATION
There are several bonding companies that provide inmates the opportunity to bond out of jail. Cash or surety bonds are accepted from any licensed bondsman approved by the Fifth Judicial District. Please note that additional bond fees may apply and are collected by the Jail. For specific answers to your questions, please contact Deputies at the Blaine County Jail at (208)788-5564.