Jail

The Benton County WA Jail, located in Kennewick, serves as a correctional facility for individuals within the county and provides contract services for other law enforcement agencies across the state. This article dives deep into the various aspects of the Benton County Jail, including inmate services, visitation, bail procedures, and much more. Whether you are a family member seeking information on how to communicate with an inmate or an individual looking to understand the jail’s operations, this article will offer you a comprehensive understanding.

What is Benton County WA Jail?

The Benton County WA Jail, part of the Benton County Justice Center, is a modern facility with a capacity of 720 inmates. It was opened to inmates in 2003 and serves the law enforcement agencies of Benton County, including Kennewick, Richland, Prosser, West Richland, and Benton City. The facility houses individuals who are incarcerated due to criminal charges, pending trials, or serving court-ordered sentences.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite B110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-783-1451 | 509-786-5613
Jail Lobby Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Facility Operations and Inmate Housing

Types of Inmate Housing Units

Benton County Jail accommodates a wide range of inmates based on their classification. The facility has different housing units designed to segregate individuals based on their custody level and needs. The classifications help ensure the safety and well-being of all inmates and staff.

Low-Custody Units: These are designated for inmates who are considered lower risk. These units typically allow inmates more "out of cell" time, where they can engage in various activities.

High-Custody Units: These units are for inmates who pose a higher risk to themselves, other inmates, or staff. They typically have more restrictions and less time outside of their cells.

Daily Life in Benton County Jail

The daily life of an inmate at Benton County Jail largely depends on their custody classification. For lower-level security inmates, "out time" can range from 3 to 16 hours per day. This time is typically used for activities such as meals, recreation, and other activities within the facility. For high-security inmates, out-of-cell time is more limited, and they are generally housed in more restrictive settings.

Commissary and Inmate Accounts

Benton County Jail allows inmates to purchase various items through the commissary system. These items range from personal hygiene products to snacks and stationery. Inmates can add funds to their commissary accounts in several ways:

Online deposits through Access Corrections
Phone deposits via Access Corrections phone service
Cash deposits at the Jail Lobby's ATM-style Kiosk
Mail via cashier's checks or money orders

Funds from these accounts can also be used to pay for phone calls or additional services while incarcerated.

Communication with Inmates

One of the essential aspects of life in Benton County Jail is maintaining contact with the outside world. Inmates can communicate with friends, family, and attorneys in several ways.

Phone Calls

Inmates are allowed to make phone calls during their out-of-cell time. These calls are typically collect, and family members can set up prepaid accounts for easier communication. Additionally, inmates can purchase phone cards from the commissary to make calls.

For more detailed information on phone services, you can visit Inmate Communications.

Mail

Inmates at Benton County Jail can receive mail, but there are strict guidelines on how it must be sent. All mail must have a return address, and it must be addressed to the inmate by their name and housing unit (if known). Legal mail, including documents from an attorney, is handled separately to maintain confidentiality.

For further details on sending mail to inmates, refer to the Inmate Mail and Visitation page.

Video Visitation

To facilitate visitation without requiring in-person visits, Benton County Jail offers video visitation services. These visits can occur from a video terminal located in each housing unit and the jail lobby. The system also allows for remote visitation via the internet, making it easier for families living out of the area to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Each inmate receives 60 minutes of free video visitation per week, after which additional time can be purchased through their commissary accounts or by family members.

For more details on video visitation, visit Visitation Information.

Bail and Release Procedures

Posting Bail

Bail allows individuals to secure their release from Benton County Jail while awaiting trial. Bail can be posted directly at the jail during regular business hours. After hours, the bail payment must be made in cash at the after-hours entrance, and it is essential to bring the exact amount.

For those who qualify for bond, a bail bond company can assist in securing the inmate's release. Once bail is paid, it typically takes between 1-2 hours for the inmate's release, assuming all conditions are met.

Releases

Benton County Jail follows a strict release schedule based on the length of the inmate's sentence. Inmates sentenced to 2 days or fewer will serve one day for each day sentenced, while those sentenced to longer terms are generally released in the morning on their scheduled release date.

If you are a crime victim and wish to be notified about an inmate's release, you can register with VINElink, a service that provides notifications on inmate status changes.

Inmate Property

Dropping Off Property

Benton County Jail has strict regulations on what property can be delivered to inmates. Acceptable items include:

Court clothes (only during jury trials)
Prescription eyeglasses
Necessary medical equipment (evaluated by medical staff)
Prescription drugs in original containers

Picking Up Property

Property that belongs to an inmate can be picked up by a third party, provided the inmate has signed a release form. Property releases can only occur during specific hours at the after-hours entrance, which is to the left of the main lobby.

Transfer and Transfers to State Prisons

If an inmate is transferred to a state prison, Benton County Jail will notify the inmate’s family, if they are registered through VINElink. Any property left behind at the jail must be picked up within 60 days, or it will be disposed of.

Benton County Jail and Associated Agencies

Here are some important contacts related to the Benton County Jail and surrounding agencies:

Benton County Jail

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite B110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-783-1451, 509-786-5613
Jail Lobby Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Benton County Sheriff's Office

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A120, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-6555 (Kennewick), 509-786-5615 (Prosser)

Benton County District Court

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-8476 (Kennewick), 509-786-5480 (Prosser)

Benton County Superior Court

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A130, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-736-3071

Benton County Community Supervision Services

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-736-2766

Benton County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A120, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-6555 (Kennewick), 509-786-5615 (Prosser)

Benton County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Bureau

Address: 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A120, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: 509-735-6555 (Kennewick), 509-786-5615 (Prosser)

Benton County Jail FAQs

What is the process for posting bail at Benton County Jail?

Bail at Benton County Jail can be posted at the facility during normal business hours (8 AM - 4 PM) through the court handling the case. After hours, bail payments must be made in cash at the after-hours entrance, which is located to the left of the main lobby. It's important to bring the exact amount required, as no change is provided. Bail bonds are also an option for eligible cases, and upon payment, it typically takes 1-2 hours for the inmate's release. For further details, refer to the Getting Out of Jail page.

How can I communicate with an inmate in Benton County Jail?

Inmates at Benton County Jail can communicate via phone calls, mail, and video visitation. For phone calls, inmates use their commissary accounts to make collect calls or purchase phone cards. Family members can set up prepaid accounts for easier communication. Mail should be addressed with the inmate's name and housing unit and must have a return address. Video visitation is available through terminals within the jail and remotely via internet for those outside the local area. For more details, check out the Inmate Mail and Visitation page.

What items can I drop off for an inmate at Benton County Jail?

Benton County Jail allows limited property deliveries. Acceptable items include one set of court clothes for jury trials, prescription eyeglasses, necessary medical equipment, and prescription medications in their original containers. Other personal items are not accepted. For more information on property drop-offs, visit the Inmate Property page.

How can I fund an inmate's commissary account?

Commissary accounts can be funded through several methods: online through Access Corrections, by phone, or using a kiosk in the jail lobby. Additionally, funds can be mailed via cashier's checks or money orders. Inmates can use their commissary accounts for personal items and to pay for phone calls. For more details on adding funds, visit the Inmate Accounts page.

How can I be notified of an inmate’s release or transfer?

The VINElink service provides notifications regarding inmate status, including releases and transfers. Victims of crimes can register with VINElink to receive alerts when an inmate is released or transferred. For more information, check out the VINElink page.