Placer County Sheriff's Office celebrated the opening of two new facilities at South Placer Jail with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Photo courtesy of Placer County Sheriff's Office


ROSEVILLE, CA (MPG) – On Wednesday Oct. 8, The Placer County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the opening of two major expansion projects at the South Placer Jail: the new Mental Health Facility and the Medium Security Vocational Training Facility.

Construction began in March 2023, and today’s ribbon cutting marks the completion of more than 55,000 square feet of modern space designed to enhance mental health care, provide vocational training and improve long-term outcomes for individuals in custody.

Mental Health Facility

The approximately 16,300-square-foot Mental Health Facility is designed to meet the growing need for treatment services within the jail system. The facility features three 15-bed pods with a total capacity of 45 beds; individual cells, dayrooms and recreation yards; multipurpose counseling and interview rooms; exam rooms and support spaces; a central officer custody station.

A secure corridor connects the facility to the existing jail, ensuring safe and efficient access. The new Mental Health Facility will provide acute treatment services and expand care for individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial.

 Placer County Sheriff's Department celebrated the opening of two new facilities at South Placer Jail. Photo courtesy of Placer County Sheriff's Department 

Medium Security Vocational Training Facility

The nearly 39,000-square-foot Vocational Training Facility introduces new opportunities for education and rehabilitation. Key features include: two new housing units with 120 beds, including single and double bunks within shared cells; dayrooms, recreation yards and multipurpose classrooms for programming; vocational shops to provide job training and employment skills; in-person and video visitation areas; a public lobby and office space for administrative and staff support.

The Vocational Training Facility will offer structured training programs with the goal of reducing recidivism and preparing individuals for employment after release.

“Today’s ribbon cutting is not just about new buildings, it’s about strengthening our criminal justice system by creating greater opportunities for treatment and rehabilitation,” said Sheriff Wayne Woo. “These new housing units increase our capacity to ensure accountability while also opening pathways for rehabilitation and reentry.

"They reflect our commitment to improving outcomes for individuals in custody and enhancing public safety in Placer County. By breaking the cycle of recidivism and giving people the tools to become productive members of society, we are investing in a safer, stronger community.”

District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore said, “This project reflects Placer County’s commitment to investing wisely in solutions that deliver long-term value for our residents. By expanding mental health treatment and vocational training within our correctional system, we are reducing future costs, improving outcomes and enhancing public safety. These facilities demonstrate how thoughtful, fiscally responsible planning can make a meaningful difference for individuals and the community as a whole.”

Following the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour both facilities and learn more about the services they will provide.