Detention Bureau

The Detention Bureau is a division of the Sheriff's Office and operates under the jurisdiction of the sheriff, although it is physically separated from the sheriff's administrative area.

The Detention Bureau is responsible for the operation and management of the Collin County Detention Facility. This includes the care, custody, and control of all individuals housed within the jail, along with the overall safety, security, and well-being of inmates, staff, and visitors.

Detention personnel are committed to maintaining professional standards and a secure environment while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the standards established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS). The bureau also supports inmate rehabilitation through structured programs, services, and resources designed to promote accountability and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community.

The Detention Bureau oversees three primary divisions: Inmate Housing, Services, and Compliance. Each division works together to ensure the facility operates safely, efficiently, and with integrity.​

Inmate Housing Division

The Inmate Housing Division is responsible for the secure custody, supervision, and daily care of all inmates housed within the Collin County Detention Facility. Housing areas are organized into clusters that support efficient management, reduce inmate movement, and enhance supervision through a direct supervision model.

Detention Officers assigned to housing units are responsible for maintaining order, ensuring safety, and managing inmate behavior through direct interaction and active engagement. Officers remain inside the housing units to monitor activity, address issues as they arise, and promote positive conduct through communication and consistency.

Each inmate is assessed and classified based on criminal history, behavioral patterns, and individual needs to determine appropriate housing placement. Newly booked inmates are temporarily assigned to a classification unit where they undergo evaluation and orientation to facility rules, expectations, and available programs before being moved to permanent housing.

​Inmates housed within the facility are provided access to basic services, programs, and activities designed to support personal responsibility, safety, and rehabilitation while maintaining order and security.​


Services Division

​The Services Division provides the essential support systems that keep the Collin County Detention Facility operating safely, efficiently, and in compliance with state standards. This division manages inmate intake, programs, and daily operational services, ensuring that each process contributes to the overall security, welfare, and rehabilitation of those in custody.​

Process Section

The Process Section oversees inmate intake, release, and administrative case management functions. This includes the Admissions and Release Section, Classification, Jail Case Coordinator (JCC), and Arraignment areas.

    • Admissions and Release (Booking & Property)
      • The Admissions and Release Section serves as the primary intake and exit point for all inmates entering or leaving the facility. During intake, inmates are processed, photographed, fingerprinted, and medically screened. Personal property and funds are inventoried and securely stored.
      • Adjacent to this area are the property, bond, and release counters, where members of the public can post bonds, pay fines, or retrieve inmate property in a controlled and monitored environment.
    • Classification
      • Classification staff evaluate each inmate’s criminal history, behavior, mental health, and other factors to determine proper housing placement. Accurate classification is essential for maintaining safety, reducing conflicts, and ensuring inmates are housed appropriately.
    • Jail Case Coordinator (JCC)
      • The JCC manages inmate case files, court coordination, and legal correspondence. This role ensures that inmates’ court-related processes are completed accurately and on schedule.
    • Arraignment
      • ​The Arraignment Section handles all inmate magistrations and arraignments conducted within the detention facility. This process ensures inmates receive timely judicial review while reducing the need for external transport. The arraignment area is equipped to accommodate in-person and virtual proceedings, improving safety, efficiency, and access to the courts.​

Programs Section

The Programs Section provides inmates with opportunities for growth, education, and personal development. Participation is voluntary and available at no cost to eligible individuals. Through collaboration with community organizations and volunteers, the Sheriff’s Office offers programs that encourage responsibility, self-improvement, and preparation for successful reentry into society.

    • Inmate Programs
      • ​At the Collin County Detention Facility, incarceration is viewed as a chance for change rather than confinement. The Inmate Programs Section offers a range of educational, faith-based, and therapeutic classes designed to help participants overcome challenges and create better futures.
      • Programs include GED preparation, literacy and life-skills classes, substance abuse counseling, religious services, and access to library and recreational opportunities. These initiatives equip inmates with practical skills and positive habits that support long-term success upon release.
      • For detailed information about available classes, eligibility requirements, and volunteer opportunities, visit the Inmate Programs page.
    • Inmate Worker Program
      • The Inmate Worker Program offers eligible inmates the chance to assist in essential facility operations, tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, sanitation, trash collection, and general housekeeping. This work not only supports facility efficiency but also reinforces positive behavior, builds habit, and develops responsibility.
    • SCORE / VALOR Programs
      • The SCORE (Sheriff’s Convicted Offender Re-entry Effort) and VALOR (Veterans Accessing Lifelong Opportunities for Rehabilitation) Programs are specialized reentry initiatives that provide structured rehabilitation for both general population participants and justice-involved veterans.
      • Operated in collaboration with the Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD), these programs focus on accountability, education, and behavioral change. Participants receive individualized treatment, counseling, and work opportunities within a structured environment designed to promote long-term success and reduce recidivism.
      • ​For more information about these programs, visit the Community Supervision and Corrections Department (CSCD) webpage​.

​Jail Services Section

The Jail Services Section provides the essential daily operations that support the health, safety, and well-being of inmates housed in the Collin County Detention Facility. These services include medical, food service, laundry, mail, and commissary operations that ensure the facility runs efficiently and in compliance with state standards.​

    • Medical Services
      • Medical, dental, and mental health care are provided on-site by licensed professionals and contracted healthcare providers. Exam rooms are located in the booking area, infirmary, and housing clusters to minimize inmate movement and enhance safety.
      • Routine and emergency care are available, along with prescribed medications, diagnostic testing, and referrals for specialized treatment as necessary.
    • Food Service
      • Meals are prepared on-site by inmate workers under the supervision of kitchen staff. All menus meet nutritional and dietary requirements established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) and are designed to maintain both inmate health and cost efficiency.
      • Meals are prepared and delivered three times daily to housing units. The food service area is equipped to accommodate the facility’s full operational capacity and supports safe food handling and sanitation standards.
    • Laundry and Sanitation
      • Laundry services are managed within the facility using commercial-grade equipment to clean and maintain inmate uniforms, linens, and towels.
      • Inmate workers assist with laundry, trash collection, and general sanitation duties under staff supervision. These daily operations help ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary environment throughout the facility.
    • Mail and Commissary
      • The Mailroom manages all incoming and outgoing inmate correspondence and ensures that items are properly screened in compliance with security policies and legal mail procedures.
      • The Co​mmissary provides inmates with access to approved personal hygiene and convenience items through a secure purchasing system. Commissary services are monitored to ensure fair pricing and accountability.

Compliance Division

The Compliance Division ensures that the Collin County Detention Facility operates in full accordance with the standards set by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) and all applicable state and federal regulations. This division is responsible for maintaining operational accountability, conducting inspections, and ensuring documentation accuracy throughout the facility.

Staff assigned to the Compliance Division monitor jail conditions, conduct audits, and review reports to ensure the facility meets or exceeds all required safety, security, and sanitation benchmarks. The division also assists with internal investigations, coordinates with outside inspection agencies, and verifies that corrective actions are implemented when necessary.

​In addition to oversight responsibilities, the Compliance Division manages policy updates, staff training compliance, and operational readiness for annual state inspections. Their work ensures that the Detention Bureau maintains the highest professional standards and continues to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates and staff alike.​


Special Teams

The Detention Bureau oversees several specialized teams that enhance the safety, intelligence, and professionalism of Sheriff’s Office operations. These teams provide critical support during emergencies, facility operations, and ceremonial events.

  • Detention Response Team (DRT)
    • The Detention Response Team (DRT) is a specially trained group of detention officers responsible for responding to high-risk and emergency incidents within the facility. These include inmate disturbances, barricaded subjects, hostage situations, and high-profile inmate movements.
    • DRT members receive advanced training in tactical operations, crisis response, and de-escalation techniques. Their primary mission is to restore order quickly, safely, and professionally while ensuring the protection of staff and inmates.
  • Detention Intelligence Unit (DIU)
    • The Detention Intelligence Unit (DIU) collects, analyzes, and disseminates information related to inmate behavior, criminal activity, and gang operations within the detention facility. DIU monitors potential threats, track emerging trends, and identify patterns that could impact the safety and security of staff and inmates.
    • DIU’s primary focus is maintaining situational awareness inside the facility and supporting detention staff through accurate, timely intelligence.​
  • ​Sheriff’s Honor Guard
    • The Sheriff’s Honor Guard represents the Collin County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism and dignity at official ceremonies, funerals, and community events. The Detention Bureau provides administrative oversight for the team, but its members represent all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.
    • Honor Guard members are selected for their exceptional professionalism, discipline, and dedication. They perform ceremonial duties for fallen officers, assist with memorial services, and represent the agency at official law enforcement events across the region.​


​Detention Facility Overview and Philosophy

​The Collin County Detention Facility (CCDF) was built with a specific purpose. Constructed in March 1994, the facility was designed as a direct supervision jail—built around a philosophy that emphasizes supervision of inmates rather than control through barriers or intermittent surveillance. The facility was intentionally designed to provide a safe and professional working environment for staff while ensuring a secure and humane environment for inmates.

The Collin County Detention Facility provides a secure, efficient, and structured setting for detention operations. The building features separate public waiting areas for inmate visitors and administrative guests, as well as visitor processing areas, storage lockers, restrooms, and controlled access zones to ensure safety and proper movement throughout the facility.

Staff areas include briefing and training rooms, locker rooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and dedicated spaces for instruction and physical fitness—all designed to support morale, readiness, and operational efficiency.

Security of the facility is maintained through 24-hour electronic monitoring conducted from a master control station equipped with advanced surveillance, access control, and life-safety systems. Each cluster within the facility contains an additional control station to directly monitor pod activity and maintain localized supervision.

Under the Direct Supervision Philosophy, detention officers are stationed inside housing units to directly supervise and interact with inmates. Officers are responsible for maintaining control of inmate behavior, reducing tension, and resolving conflicts before they escalate. Safety is supported by body alarms, radio communication, and security cameras, but the foundation of control lies in the officer’s visible presence and leadership within the housing unit.

Inmates who cannot conform to the expectations of the direct supervision model are reassigned to more traditional housing areas. The facility’s podular design minimizes unnecessary movement by providing most services at the housing or cluster level—enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while fostering communication between staff and inmates.

Through this design and philosophy, the Collin County Sheriff’s Office maintains a modern detention facility focused on safety, professionalism, and accountability—reflecting a balance between secure operations, human respect, and operational efficiency.​