History

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The Marquette County Jail traces its origins to the county's establishment in 1843. In its early years, prisoners were held in makeshift facilities, such as the basement of the county courthouse. In 1853, a small jail was constructed near the courthouse, but it quickly proved inadequate as the population grew.

In 1891, a dedicated jailhouse was built at the corner of Front and Washington Streets. This facility was a two-story sandstone structure with 36 cells. It served as the main jail for Marquette County until the early 20th century.

Expansion and Modernization (1900s-1950s)

As Marquette County developed, so did the need for a larger and more modern jail. In 1925, a two-story annex was added to the Washington Street jail, increasing its capacity to 60 inmates.

In 1951, a completely new jail facility was constructed at 1200 Arch Street. This state-of-the-art complex featured separate housing areas for male and female inmates, as well as a modern kitchen, medical facilities, and administrative offices.

The Present Day (1960s-Present)

The Arch Street Jail underwent several renovations and expansions over the years to meet the changing needs of the county. In 1996, a new intake and processing area was added, and in 2005, a new inmate housing wing was constructed.

Today, the Marquette County Jail is a fully accredited facility that provides safe and secure confinement for approximately 100 inmates. It is staffed by a team of professional corrections officers who are trained in the latest techniques and procedures.

Special Programs and Services

In addition to providing safe and secure confinement, the Marquette County Jail offers a variety of special programs and services to its inmates, including:

• Educational programs: Inmates have access to GED classes, literacy programs, and college correspondence courses.
• Vocational training: Inmates can participate in vocational training programs in areas such as carpentry, welding, and culinary arts.
• Substance abuse treatment: The jail offers substance abuse treatment programs for inmates struggling with addiction.
• Mental health services: Inmates can receive mental health evaluations and treatment from licensed mental health professionals.
• Medical care: The jail has a full-time medical staff that provides inmates with basic medical care, including sick call, medication management, and emergency treatment.
• Religious services: Inmates are allowed to practice their religion and attend religious services.
• Library services: Inmates have access to a law library and a recreational library.
• Recreation: Inmates are provided with opportunities for recreation, including access to a gym, a basketball court, and a weight room.

Community Involvement

The Marquette County Jail is committed to being an active member of the community. Jail staff participate in a variety of outreach programs, including:

• Jail tours: The jail offers tours to community groups and organizations to educate the public about the jail system and the role of corrections officers.
• Work release program: Inmates who meet certain criteria are allowed to participate in a work release program that allows them to work outside the jail during the day.
• Community service program: Inmates can volunteer to participate in community service projects, such as cleaning up parks and roadways.

The Marquette County Jail is an important part of the criminal justice system in Marquette County. It provides safe and secure confinement for inmates, offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate, and is committed to being an active member of the community.