Understanding Cell Assignments at Doña Ana County Detention Center: Shared Cells, Units, and What Families Should Expect

The facility divides its population across seven secure housing units, with most inmates sharing a cell. For families, this means your loved one is living in a structured unit with limited privacy in the sleeping area - not housed alone.

The adult facility holds up to 846 detainees. Originally built in 1995 with 562 beds, it was expanded in 2000 when an additional housing unit and remodeling brought capacity to its current level.

Inside the facility, inmates are housed across seven secure units. When staff mention a "unit," they're referring to one of these distinct housing areas - it's the main way the jail organizes and manages its population.

Unlike traditional jails with bars separating officers and inmates, this facility uses glass partitions. Officers maintain continuous observation, and inmates know they're being watched at all times.

Most inmates share a cell, so your loved one will likely have a cellmate for sleeping and daily routines. That means less privacy, more coordination around basics like rest and personal space, and a real need for clear boundaries.

• ✓ Ask what housing unit your loved one is in and whether their placement is tied to classification or safety considerations
• ✓ Encourage them to speak up early (through the appropriate internal channels) if a cellmate situation feels unsafe or unworkable
• ✓ Remind them that privacy will be limited in a shared-cell setting, including around personal routines and conversations
• ✓ Keep in mind the facility’s design uses glass partitions for continuous observation, which can affect how closely day-to-day activity is monitored in housing areas

Shared cells are standard here, but reach out if you believe the arrangement creates a genuine safety issue. Situations that warrant questions include threats, ongoing conflict with a cellmate, or concerns that a housing assignment doesn't match your loved one's classification or safety needs. You don't have to wait for a crisis - just keep your request clear and focused.

1. Start with the housing/unit side of the facility - Ask for help understanding the current housing situation and what can be reviewed.
2. Request a classification or safety review - Keep it factual: what’s happening, when it started, and what the specific concern is.
3. Escalate through leadership if needed - If the issue isn’t addressed, ask how to elevate the concern within the Detention Center’s chain of command (the facility is led by Director Bryan Baker and staffed by 197 people across roles).