County jail honored for taking innovative efforts in fight against opioid crisis
(File photo: Director Chris Sharp explains how the medical sensors work to a group of people representing other jails around the state. The group was visiting to learn more about the technology.)
The Chelan County Regional Justice Center was recently honored with the 2025 Detention Facility Innovation Award by the National Institute for Jail Operations (NJIO).
Jail Director Chris Sharp accepted the award on behalf of the county on June 11 in Chandler, Ariz., at the organization’s JAILCON25 Western Regional Conference.
“The Chelan County Regional Justice Center has come a long way in my 25 years here,” Sharp said. “To be recognized with this award is outstanding and it says great things about our Board of County Commissioners supporting our facility by approving funding for technology that assists our correctional and medical staff in carrying out their duties. I am honored to be a part of the team here at the jail and proud to serve our community. We are very grateful to NIJO for honoring our facility with this innovation award for JAILCON WEST.”
In most recent years, the Chelan County jail has been utilizing a variety of technologies to combat the opioid crisis. An upgraded camera system has been installed throughout the 40-year-old facility. The jail also has been recognized across the state for its drug interdiction program that utilizes a body scanner, mail screener and narcotics-detecting canine.
Currently underway, the facility is installing 44 medical sensors in intake and holding cells. The sensors are in addition to the 24 that are already installed, so the jail will have 68 total when installation is completed at the end of June. The sensors detect rapid changes in heart and breathing rates.
“The opioid crisis has infiltrated correctional facilities across the nation,” Sharp said. “Our staff is dealing with people who have chronic health issues and severe addictions. When they come to us, many are in the throes of withdrawal. We are putting these upgraded and new technologies to work in an effort to save lives.”
Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith said the Regional Justice Center is a leader among jails in the state as well as the western region.
“Time and time again, our jail and its staff step up, taking the lead in instituting new technology and practices as they care for a population that is getting harder and harder to care for,” Smith said. “They make us proud every day.”
Last Updated: 07/07/2025 12:42 PM
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The information contained on this site is provided as a courtesy of the Chelan County. Where it exists, the "Index.txt" will contain a brief explanation of files contained in this folder
Chelan County makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web site. However, due to the possibility of transmission errors, HTML browser capabilities, changes made since the last update to the site, etc., neither Chelan County, nor any agency, officer or employee of Chelan County warrants the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information published by this system and shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of such information. Portions of such information may be incorrect or not current. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained from this system does so at his or her own risk.
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