Detention Center Operations

The Detention Center Operations Bureau is the largest of the Sheriff’s Office's four organizational bureaus. Under the command of Undersheriff Tony Davis, the Bureau is responsible for managing the Alexandria Detention Center's security function and is comprised of the Security Division. The Security Division is responsible for ensuring facility safety and security. Commanded by Captain Frank Milano, the Division is the only Office component comprised solely of sworn staff. Security Division staff manage the inmate housing units, provide the security for the Visitors' Center and are responsible for controlling the access of staff and the public in and around the Public Safety Center.

Captain of Security
Frank Milano

Facility security is accomplished first by the Division's management of inmates from initial booking to release. Security Deputies are responsible for the day to day supervision of inmates in the facility's housing areas and for ensuring that inmates move safely and securely throughout the building. Deputies are placed directly into the larger housing units to effectively control the units' living environment. Direct supervision of inmates where they live allows Security Deputies to better gauge the atmosphere in the units and more promptly deflect or respond to issues and concerns.

The Division is also responsible for controlling the entrance, exit and movement of everyone in the Detention Center. Security Deputies schedule inmate social and professional visits, and are responsible for checking to ensure that no one enters the building who does not meet stringent security guidelines. Security Deputies also check daily security equipment and locking devices as part of their daily inspections.

Completed in 1987 at a cost of $15 million , the Alexandria Detention Center houses all individuals committed by the courts to the Sheriff’s custody. The facility also houses a number of federal prisoners through contract with the U.S. Marshals Service Housing of federal prisoners in Alexandria facilitates the processing of defendants through the U.S. Federal Courthouse located nearby. The Detention Center housed an average of 454 inmates in FY 2009. Of those, roughly two-thirds were housed for state and local charges.

Sheriff's Office Building

A "New Generation" Jail

The Alexandria Detention Center operates according to “New Generation” jail philosophy, a combination of management style and architectural design that facilitates increased staff and inmate contact and works to reduce tension and improve security within the correctional setting. Over two decades later, the Alexandria Detention Center has proven itself a model corrections facility that has earned national recognition for excellence for its staff and facility operations. The Detention Center strives to provide the highest quality in service, and proudly holds The corrections accreditation by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since 1989 and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) since 1991.

Security Deputy Juan Guzman Deputy Lajuenne Harding Deputy Jeffrey Hines
Deputy Brian Wade1 Hard at work in the Detention Center