What Makes Oconto County Jail Different: Understanding the 2017 pod-style building and housing units

Oconto County Jail opened on August 7, 2017. A newer facility typically means a more modern layout, and Oconto County has exactly that - a pod-style design. Instead of long, traditional cellblock corridors, the building is organized around a central pod.

The facility's main pod holds 145 prisoners across 17 separate housing units. That number of units matters - it gives the jail flexibility to keep different groups apart and manage movement throughout the day.

Not every housing unit is set up the same way. Some units use single-cell assignments, while others are dormitory-style, open-concept units. That mix gives the jail more than one way to house people depending on their situation and the space available.

The jail says this pod-style design supports effective inmate classification. Classification is just the process of deciding where someone should be housed. Having multiple housing units - some single-cell, some dorm-style - gives staff more options when making those decisions.

For families, housing style shapes what daily life looks like for your loved one - even if you never see the housing area yourself. Single-cell housing means more separation and privacy. Dormitory-style housing involves shared space and more interaction with others. Because the pod setup is designed around classification, housing placements can shift as the jail sorts people into units that fit their status and needs. If communication or scheduling suddenly changes, it might be tied to a housing move.

• ✓ Check the jail’s official webpage for any posted explanations or updates about housing and operations
• ✓ If you have questions about how housing is handled in your loved one’s situation, call Jail Administrator Carol Kopp at 920-834-6917
• ✓ Before you plan a visit or try to coordinate anything time-sensitive, confirm the current rules and procedures directly with the jail