07/30/2026
We value and appreciate our partnership with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office’s Adult Detention Center. Barriers to employment do not preclude employment - with support and a hand up a job and career path are possible.
Good morning, Loudoun.
Yesterday, I took my full-time office staff to visit our Adult Detention Center (ADC). I had not been there in a few years and wanted to learn more about programming and other operations. I confirmed a few things, learned some new things, and have some takeaways to share.
CONFIRMED:
1. The overwhelming majority of the deputies and staff who work at Loudoun's ADC are dedicated, hard-working professionals. They deserve our respect and appreciation their service.
2. Programming works. Over the past ten years, the Board of Supervisors (BOS) has approved budget requests for evidence based, mental/behavioral health programming and positions in the ADC. That programming has resulted in inmates being evaluated, diagnosed, and treated for mental health/substance use issues. Inpatient treatment of inmates can result in a drop in recidivism.
Having said that, we know that an incarcerated setting is often not the appropriate environment for a person whose primary condition falls in the category of a mental or behavioral health issue. That is why a Crisis Receiving Center is so important.
In addition, the mental health of the ADC staff — which is of paramount importance to me — is served by the addition of the wellness specialist that was approved by the BOS two years ago. Finally, I was gratified that a motion I made during my first term to fund an employee break room in the ADC resulted in ADC staff having a place of respite during their 12-hour shifts.
3. The pre-planning, information, and assistance provided to inmates upon their release is imperative. I especially want to acknowledge the Crossroads Jobs program that works with the ADC staff before an inmate is released. How an inmate is released has a significant impact on if an inmate will return to an incarcerated setting.
LEARNED:
1. Most ADC staff do not live in Loudoun. This is exactly why I continue to push for land-banking and building attainable homes not just for rent but for PURCHASE!
2. The 287g program as it was operating in Loudoun's ADC before July 1, 2026, will change based on HB 1441.
HB1441 - 2026 Regular Session | LIS https://share.google/qE6ylkIzcbBoynrKl
3. The ADC has a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LCPS to assist with both high school level courses that can result in a high school degree and General Education Degree (GED) testing. Thank you to Superintendent Aaron Spence — who I am told was very supportive and helpful in forming this ADC/LCPS partnership.
TAKEAWAYS:
1. For various reasons, the male inmates in the ADC have more opportunities for programming than the female inmates. Although I understand the reasons, this is of concern and I would like to work with Sheriff Chapman and the ADC mental/behavioral health staff to address this issue.
2. Our county needs an Offender Aid & Restoration (OAR) dedicated just to Loudoun. While I appreciate OAR of Fairfax, I believe more effective services would result if an OAR was committed only to Loudoun.
3. Funding for adequate staff for both the Crisis Receiving Center and the upcoming treatment facility will be imperative. I will support those position requests when they come before us during the next budget cycle.
Finally, I want to thank the senior ADC staff and especially the ADC mental/behavioral health staff for the tour and for answering all of my questions. I congratulate them on receiving a 100% score on their recent state audit.
Having worked for years in an incarcerated setting, I can tell you: just as a poor corrections officer can have a negative impact on an inmate, a good corrections officer can have a very positive impact. I thank the Loudoun ADC correctional officers and staff who make a positive difference.
