OC Sheriff opens new James A. Musick Facility

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Nov. 19, 2024): Construction of the new James A. Musick facility is complete, employing an innovative custody model focused on increased rehabilitation services, enhanced safety and greater access to education and health services.

The 324,000 square-foot, 896-bed facility will house minimum and medium-security incarcerated persons under a direct-supervision model, which marks a departure from traditional custody facility designs.

"There was a lot of thought and intentionality that went in to designing this jail to transition people out of custody and support their re-entry into our community," said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. "With robust programming and innovative features, we look at this facility as an opportunity to better serve those entrusted to our care."

Each housing unit will be assigned personnel who will remain inside the module 24 hours a day, allowing for direct interaction with incarcerated persons to encourage positive behavior and identify any potential issues before they escalate.

The design also limits movement throughout the facility while bringing services direct to those in custody, creating a safer environment that emphasizes education and rehabilitation.

Aesthetic components of the facility include large-scale colorful murals and more natural light, which are features shown to benefit mental health and stimulate a calming environment.

Construction on the new facility began in August 2020 using a combination of state grants and county funds. The previous iteration of the James A. Musick facility, which included multiple temporary structures, closed in 2019.

The Sheriff's Department expects to house incarcerated individuals in the new facility by early December.