The expansion of a San Bernardino County jail which will add  nearly 1,400 beds is, at current,  the largest project of kind in the state.  Construction at the Adelanto jail first began in Dec. 2010 after a four-year approval process.  Construction was spurred after the passage of Assembly Bill 900 (AB900).  AB900 was implemented in Oct. 2011 and mandated state prisons reduce their populations by transferring low level, non serious non sexual offenders from state prisons to county jails. Funds for the expansion were provided in part by a state grant.

The Adelanto jail is a Type II detention facility which houses pre and post trial inmates.  A recent report notes the jail currently has 706 beds.  County officials believed additional space would be needed to accommodate the influx of state prisoners after AB900 was implemented.  The captain of the jail has been quoted as saying the added bed space is coming at a time when it is most needed.

Another Sheriff's department spokesperson said that once complete, the facility will be able to accommodate "the worst of the worst."

Construction plans provide for a an X-ray machine, a facility and two dental chairs.  It also has been designed in such a way that allows enhanced safety for inmates and jail employees.   Construction is expected to be complete in mid 2013.