The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is beginning discussions on developing a new, permanent jail facility for female inmates in Canyon County.
Historically, female inmates were housed in the Dale Haile Detention Center. Due to overcrowding, in 2019, the County contracted with All Detainment Solutions (ADS) to lease temporary jail units for female inmates. This temporary facility—Pod 6—was located at the southwest corner of 12th Ave and Chicago St. However, shortly after Pod 6 was opened to house female inmates, numerous liability concerns were identified related to consistent and serious maintenance matters involving things such as shower pans, mold, water, HVAC, and sewage. The facility also presented safety concerns, including issues related to contraband, its design layout, and the overall safety and security of both inmates and deputies.
These liability and safety concerns, coupled with increasing costs to county taxpayers, led the BOCC, with support from the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), to terminate the County’s contract with ADS in early February. The County is now considering a long-term solution to accommodate future growth as the Treasure Valley expands. Both the BOCC and CCSO agree that a more permanent facility is necessary—one that not only meets the community’s needs but also enhances the safety and efficiency of CCSO’s jail operations.
The BOCC has started the process of constructing a phased approach to a new women’s facility on the Pond Lane property in Caldwell. This 26-acre property was initially purchased in 2007 as a potential site for a new jail, offering a centralized location with ample room for future expansion and the development of additional services. However, after four failed bond measures, the project was unable to move forward, leaving the property vacant.
The County is now looking to work with builders to develop a phased plan, with the first phase accommodating up to 192 female beds.
To learn more about this project and the history of the Canyon County Jail, residents are invited to attend a public open house on March 20th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Canyon County Public Administration Room (111 N 11th Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605). During the open house, staff will discuss the limitations of the current facility, present potential plans for the new facility, and gather public input on the overall concept. The BOCC is also scheduled to meet with the Sheriff’s Office at the Canyon County Court House on Feb. 24th, 2025 at 9:30 am, to discuss Pod 6.