A newly released state inspection report has found that the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center in Jefferson County continues to operate in compliance with Arkansas Jail Standards.
The report is from the state of Arkansas Department of Public Safety Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committees.
The annual inspection took place Dec. 5 and was released Feb. 10. The report documents that the facility met compliance requirements across all major categories, including administration, personnel, security, medical and mental health services, food service, detainee rights, safety, record keeping and facility operations.
According to the state’s findings, the detention center is rated for 300 beds, with an operational capacity of approximately 240 beds. The average daily population in 2025 was reported at 240, and the population on the day of inspection was 227. The report further indicates that the 2025 population was lower than in 2024 and that the county has implemented strategies to manage inmate population levels better, noting that it can be “overcrowded.” The report stated that the office “recently launched new efforts to reduce inmate population rates,” such as transferring inmates to other jails.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In its narrative overview, the Review Committee commended county staff for progress in population management and operational updates. The report also notes that Jefferson County invested approximately $150,000 over the past year in site updates, upgrades and maintenance. Inspectors observed that the kitchen was clean and that the facility was equipped with required safety items, including AEDs, emergency equipment, rights postings and procedural documentation.
The inspection checklist reflects that the detention center was marked “In Compliance” throughout sections covering written policies, personnel files, jail standards training, record systems, detainee classification, security procedures, medical care, food service, visitation policies, safety plans and facility infrastructure. The committee also acknowledged improvements in staffing strategies and recruitment efforts.
“The independent findings of the State’s Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committee speak for themselves,” Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. said. “The report affirms the work of detention staff and rebuts misinformation pushed by serial social media agitators seeking to monetize outrage. We welcome oversight, invite inspections and stand on the facts.”
Woods emphasized that compliance is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing responsibility.
“Operating a full-service detention facility is one of the most demanding responsibilities in county government,” he said. “Our team works around the clock to ensure constitutional care, safety and professional standards. We will continue to invest in improvements and staffing to maintain that standard.”
Woods also publicly recognized the leadership team and staff credited with maintaining compliance, including adult jail administrator Chief Deputy Bo Hudson; assistant adult jail administrator Maj. Jeremy Bennett; Capt. Zekeyia Jackson; Lt. Keaira Hawkins; Lt. Joyce Marshall; Lt. Lawrence Goodloe; Lt. Ronald Scott; Sgt. Veronica Alexander; Sgt. Mauricia Bennett; Chief Robert Lee; and managing nurse Erika Green, along with kitchen and support staff.
“These men and women do not seek headlines,” Woods said. “They seek professionalism, safety and accountability. This report reflects their dedication and the seriousness with which they take their duty to the citizens of Jefferson County.”