Fee Paying Inmate Worker Program

The Pasadena Police Department offers a Fee Paying Inmate Worker program for qualified men and women who have been sentenced to serve time in jail.

What Is the Fee-Paying Inmate Worker Program?

The Fee-Paying Inmate Worker Program offers an alternative to serving time in a county jail. Eligible men and women may serve time after being sentenced for a misdemeanor conviction, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or a non-drug-related offense. Individuals with a history of violent behavior will not be admitted to this program.

With approval from the sentencing court, participants may serve their sentence in the modern, safe, clean, and secure environment of the Pasadena Police Department Jail.

What Is the Cost?

  • $192.00 per day
  • Fees must be paid in advance
  • Payment is accepted only by money order or cashier’s check
  • A one-time administrative fee of $83.00 applies

How Can I Serve My Time?

There are two ways to serve the sentenced time:

  • Work Furlough – With court permission, participants may maintain their work schedule by serving weeknights in jail. Checkout times are established for both morning release and evening return. Typical hours are:
    • 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
    • 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
  • Straight Time – Participants serve their sentence on consecutive days. This may include weekends.

How is my time calculated?

Time is calculated on an hour-for-hour basis.

  • Work Furlough: Reporting for two nights (12 hours each night) earns credit for one full day (24 hours).
  • Straight Time: Reporting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and checking out at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday earns credit for two days (48 hours).

What Is Good Time / Work Time?

Judges may award Good Time / Work Time (GTWT) credit. This credit is earned during your stay if you serve your sentence in an acceptable manner, follow jail rules, and do not commit additional crimes while in custody.

To be eligible, you must be sentenced to 11 or more days.

Will I Be Housed with Other Prisoners?

Fee Paying Inmate Workers are housed separately from the general inmate population and will have minimal contact with other inmates, primarily during meal service.

By law, Inmate Workers are required to work outside of their cells for a minimum of four (4) hours per day. Duties may include minor chores such as:

  • Food preparation
  • Light cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Trash removal

Participants who are unwilling or unable to follow instructions may be dismissed from the program.

Can I Bring Prescription Medications?

The Pasadena Police Department Jail will not accept individuals with serious medical conditions or those requiring multiple medications.

Participants may bring one (1) prescription medication, with approval from the Jail Administrator, provided it is:

  • In the original prescription bottle
  • Clearly labeled with the pharmacy name, participant’s name, medication type, and dosage
  • Individuals requiring multiple medications will not be accepted into the program.

What Property May I Bring?

Participants may bring:

  • Payment (cashier’s check or money order)
  • Photo identification
  • One change of undergarments (T-shirt, one pair of underwear, one pair of socks)
  • Prescription glasses or contact lenses with solution
  • Permitted toiletries (travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
  • One pair of shower shoes (to be worn only inside the trustee housing unit)
  • One Bible or other book
  • The only permitted jewelry is a watch.

Smoking is not permitted.

Please arrive with all permitted items in a plastic or paper bag.

To view the full list of permitted items, click the link below:

Authorized Items Form

May I Have Visitors?

Visiting hours for Fee Paying Inmate Workers are daily from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where Are You Located?

The Pasadena Police Department Jail is located at 207 N. Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA.

From the 210 Freeway:

  • Exit south onto Marengo Avenue
  • Turn left on Walnut Street
  • Proceed east one block to Garfield Avenue
  • Turn right
  • The facility is located on the southwest corner of Garfield Avenue and Walnut Street.

Is Parking Available?

We encourage participants to arrange for drop-off and pick-up when possible. If needed, fee-based parking is available at the county parking structure located directly behind the police building on Thurgood Marshall Street.

How Can I Serve My Time at The Pasadena Jail?

During sentencing, ask the court to allow you to serve your sentence at the Pasadena City Jail. You must also request a Court Commitment Order, which must include:

  • Your name
  • The charge
  • The sentence (time to be served)
  • Ensure the Commitment Order specifies that the sentence may be served at the Pasadena City Jail.

How do I apply?

Contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4616 to request a Fee-Paying Inmate Worker application. Applications are sent by mail or fax within 24 hours of the request.

Completed applications must be returned with:

  • The Court Commitment Order
  • A current TB test

If your application meets the qualifying criteria, you will be contacted to schedule a start date.

Click below for the Inmate Worker Application.
Please note: applications must be mailed, faxed, or delivered in person. Email submissions are not accepted.

DO NOT FAX THIS ENTIRE PACKAGE.
Fax only:

  • Completed application,
  • court commitment order
  • current TB Test

CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions, contact the Jail Supervisor at:
(626) 744-4617
Fax: (626) 744-4588