Direct Supervision is a style of jail in which there are no barriers between the officers and inmates. This style of custody was pioneered in the late 80's and early 90's. Some of the advantages of this style of jail operation include decreased cost of construction, requires less officers to operate safely and provides better communication between officers and inmates which results in being able to detect potential situations before they become problems. Inmates are assigned to direct-supervision jails based on their charges, behavior and escape risk.

Click here to view information about each of the four direct supervision jails (Genesis, Horizon, Phoenix, Female Detention Center).

The Booking and Release Center (BRC) with a design capacity of 592 beds is the intake point for all persons arrested by all law enforcement agencies in Orange County. Inmates are processed, screened, classified and have their initial court appearance in this facility. All inmates being released from the Orange County Jail System are released through the public lobby of the BRC.

The public windows Clerk of The Court windows in the BRC lobby are open 24-hours a day, 7-days-per-week (including holidays) to post bail and conduct all other clerk business.

The BRC also has medical and mental health treatment areas for inmates who require special attention, three courtrooms with public galleries, and offices for the State Attorney, Public Defender, and the Judiciary.

Booking and Release Center Brochure (PDF - 244 KB)

Operating under the department's Community Corrections Division, the Orange County Work Release Center provides supervised dormitory-type housing for up to 308 inmates who maintain employment in the community. For more information about the Work Release Center, click here.