Find Butte County Jail inmates...

Butte County Jail

33 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 538-7321

Interview with Ryan

JM: How long was your sentencing for?
Ryan: 16 Days

JM: Did you spend time in a holding cell after your sentencing? If so, what was that like? If you didn't where did they they take you instead?
Ryan: Was kept in the holding cell after the original arrest for three days. There was a guy in there who beat his wife, another couple of guys who got into a bar fight. Some who didn't say. Around 60 guys all togheter. food was horrible

Life On The Inside
You'll find Butte County in the region of California known as the Central Valley. However, it is really north of Sacramento. The original Butte County Jail facility was built in 1965. A major expansion happened in 1994 which increased the size of the jail to hold up to 575 inmates.

There are approximately 135 Correctional staff working at Butte County.

The jail is laid out as large halls with around 100 inmates in each hall. There is a common room which inmates can hang out during the day and plays cards or watch television. Inmates are given access to the outdoor yard once a week on Saturdays.

What Kind of Inmates are in Butte County Jail?
A former inmate interviewed about Butte stated that most of the inmates there are serving two years or less and aren't considered "violent trouble makers." There will always be a play for dominance but overall there doesn't seem to be anything extraordinary when it comes to scuffles between inmates.

Inmates are separated based on age and offense. In other words, felons will stick with felons and misdemeanor offenders will be grouped together. The inmates are given three meals a day and are allowed to spend up to $80 a week at the commissary. In order to do that, money needs to be deposited into their account before 4 p.m. on each Sunday.

Good Behavior Policy
"Good time" credit is given to every inmate who can manage to stay out of trouble. The rate is 1 day off for every 6 days of time served. An inmate who is assigned a work detail will get "work time credit." This is the same as the "good time" rate of 1 day off for six days served. As far as work detail is concerned, an inmate can't ask for a job; they will be assigned one based on availability and need. It's up to the jail staff to make those determinations.

Visitor and Phone Policy
Telephones are turned on between 10 in the morning and 10 at night. The only calls an inmate can make are collect calls. Visits happen on Saturdays and Sundays and last for just 45 minutes. If you are visiting an inmate you'll need to present a photo I.D. in order to get in and you're encouraged to show up at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. There is no video or cell phone photo taking allowed inside the jail. Also, if you go to visit a prisoner you are subject to a search.

Continue to the interview