Virginia Beach correctional officials are converting a general-population jail pod into a dedicated competency-restoration unit. This new approach aims to address the significant mental health needs of inmates while reducing the long wait times often associated with court-ordered evaluations at state hospitals.
Under current procedures, inmates deemed mentally incapable of standing trial must be transported to Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg. This process frequently results in weeks or months of waiting for an available bed. By bringing the restoration process directly into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, officials intend to streamline the legal process and ensure inmates receive necessary treatment without leaving the facility.
The restoration pod features a specialized care team, including a competency restoration clinician, a therapist, and a nurse practitioner. Additionally, the sheriff's office has assigned two master deputies to the unit to maintain security. The program is a direct response to the systemic delays caused by hospital waiting lists.
While the pod can house up to 56 inmates in a standard setting, this specific restoration unit will be limited to 22 individuals to focus on individual and group therapy sessions. Operations are scheduled to begin on August 17. The project represents a commitment to providing appropriate clinical care while improving operational efficiency within the local justice system.