Jail and Prison Facilities
Although there are dozens of law enforcement and private security agencies in DC with arrest authority, anyone who is arrested and is ordered to be held overnight by the arresting or supervising officer will be held in the cell block operated by the DC Metropolitan Police Department. If the unlikely event that the judge at the arraignment hearing does not order the release of the defendant, the defendant will be transferred to the DC Department of Corrections (adults) or the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (juveniles).
- DC Department of Corrections (1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003)
- Often referred to as the ‘DC Jail’
- Only DC-licensed attorneys can visit persons in this facility.
- Holds defendants who have been ordered held until their case is resolved or who have been convicted or a crime and sentenced to less than 1 year in jail.
- Consists of two distinct facilities: the Central Detention Facility (CDF) and the Central Treatment Facility (CTF)
- CDF: adult male and male-identified defendants
- CTF: adult women defendants and designated special populations
- DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
- DC agency responsible for the supervision, custody, and care of any person under the age of 18 that is charged with a delinquent act
- Male and female children who have been ordered held until their case is resolved will be held at the Youth Service Center.
- Anyone can visit persons in this facility with permission, but it is typically restricted to the child’s attorney, family, or guardians.
- Operates other secure facilities where male and female juvenile detainees are held depending on their needs and case status