Superintendent reports rising DOC transfers, staffing shortfalls and expansion of opioid treatment in Prince William jail

The jail superintendent reported that transfers to the Virginia Department of Corrections have increased recently, with 30 transfers in March and 29 in April, and described a jail population averaging 481 in March and 474 in April with a high of 502 on April 18. "The Department of Corrections is out of compliance. We have 16 inmates out of compliance," the superintendent said during the operational report.

The superintendent outlined recruitment objectives to fill staffing gaps, saying the agency will begin advertising in neighboring states; he said there are 78 vacant sworn positions and 14 vacant civilian positions — 92 vacancies in total, an increase of 11 sworn vacancies since the last meeting. He also described completed and ongoing facility work: Units 11 and 13 are occupied, a main repair project is finished and a new roof project is expected to be done by July.

On treatment and programming, the superintendent said the jail is expanding evidence-based initiatives and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, and that 20 inmates are currently receiving MAT. He said the jail is "awaiting a grant from George Mason University" to expand services, adding that the grant would bring physician time and other clinical supports.

The report covered staff training and community-facing programs: two HR staff completed background-investigation training, three staff completed crisis-intervention training and a total of 96 ADC staff are trained in crisis intervention. The superintendent also noted the return of GED and religious services, citing four inmates who earned GEDs since COVID and 10 officers who graduated from the Basic Academy on April 6.

Health metrics included a small recent uptick in staff COVID cases (about nine staff affected, one in quarantine) and zero inmates with COVID; 202 inmates are fully vaccinated and roughly 70% of staff have been fully vaccinated. When asked for confirmation of the staff vaccination rate, the superintendent said it was "right around 70 percent."

On use-of-force and accountability, board members questioned how a recent incident occurred. The superintendent described staff response, including use of pepper spray and a resulting fall, and explained that the county police investigate on-site incidents and file new charges through the magistrate. The Commonwealth's Attorney said the inmate involved faces two felony charges — malicious wounding and assault and battery on law enforcement — and that those charges are being prosecuted by that office.

The superintendent said the jail completed a three-day PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) inspection and that staff were told, at the end of the inspection, that they appeared to be in compliance; the formal certificate and paperwork were pending at the time of the meeting. The superintendent said he expected the paperwork to confirm the inspectors' on-site assessment.

The next procedural steps noted were awaiting formal inspection paperwork and pursuing the George Mason University grant to expand medication and clinical services for MAT.