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Office of the Sheriff
Office of the Sheriff

Custody Administrative Services

Administrative Services Division is comprised of the following:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Unit

  • Multi-Support Unit

  • Food Services

  • Warehouse

  • Security Clearances

ADA Compliance Team

The ADA Compliance Team is dedicated to exceeding the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring an inclusive environment in correctional facilities. This unit focuses on equality by providing access and opportunities for incarcerated individuals with disabilities. Impressively, all team members are ADA certified, even though only one certified ADA Coordinator is required. Their commitment to aiding those with disabilities is evident as many maintain their certification beyond their assignments.

The team actively engages in reasonable accommodation projects and has become proficient in providing essential resources like sound amplifiers, video relay services, and video remote interpreting. They currently serve around 327 ADA-identified incarcerated individuals. This dedication highlights their genuine passion for supporting and empowering those with disabilities.

Multi-support Unit

Our Multi-Support Unit is dedicated to assisting individuals with mental illnesses and cognitive impairments. Our deputies collaborate closely with behavioral health clinicians, psychiatrists, medical providers, and custody staff to ensure that our seriously mentally ill population has access to essential programs, medications, group therapies, and other vital services at the Main Jail and Elmwood facilities.

Our team prioritizes building rapport and employing de-escalation techniques with the individuals in their care. Through daily interactions, they ensure that those in need are taking their prescribed medications and have access to hygiene and cleaning supplies. This consistent support significantly reduces the stress of navigating the jail environment for those requiring additional assistance.

Food Services

The Food Service Division within Custody Administrative Services is committed to providing a variety of nutritious hot and cold meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, court meals, and snacks, to the incarcerated population at both the Elmwood and Main Jail facilities. Each day, they prepare, transport, and serve over 9,000 meals, including 2,400 special medical diets and religious meals, three times a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

This division maintains the largest incarcerated workforce at the Elmwood Facility, encompassing production, bakery, and warehouse roles. In partnership with the Programs Division, they offer incarcerated individuals the opportunity to participate in baking and culinary education programs within the facility kitchens. Additionally, employee dining is prepared and served twice daily, every day of the year, for all county employees, custody, and professional staff assigned to the facilities.

Their dedication ensures that all dietary needs are met while providing valuable skills and education to the incarcerated population.

Warehouse

The Department of Corrections, Food Warehouse plays a crucial role in supporting both the Elmwood and Main Jail facilities. Spanning over 80,000 square feet, the warehouse includes two main areas dedicated to dry storage, freezer, and refrigeration for food and supplies.

These warehouses cater to a wide range of needs, providing services for the Sheriff’s Administration (including forms, booklets, and reports), facilities, medical, janitorial, emergency supplies, and numerous other departmental requirements essential for county-wide operations.

The warehouse also maintains a fleet of vehicles and forklifts to ensure efficient food transport. Additionally, it supports the food, clothing, and Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF) program needs for over 3,000 incarcerated individuals in Santa Clara County jails.

By partnering with various departments, the warehouse ensures that all logistical and supply needs are met, contributing significantly to the smooth operation of the correctional facilities.

Security Clearances

The operations of the Sheriff’s Office facilities rely on external personnel to provide essential services such as food service, medical care, maintenance, repair, and various programs. To maintain the security of the facilities, individuals who are not directly employed by the Sheriff’s Office but require routine access must apply for a security clearance.

Upon approval, the Security Coordinator will provide the applicant with a copy of the general rules and the necessary acknowledgment forms. This process ensures that all external personnel are aware of and adhere to the security protocols, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the facilities.