Frequently Asked Questions - Work Release only

1. What is the difference between Orientation and Intake?

At sentencing, the Court will order an Orientation or Intake report date for entry to the Work Release program, unless the person is already in-custody (immediate sentence start) at which time the person will be remanded at the hearing. For Orientations and Intakes, these occur simultaneously Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM at the Work Release facility. Every new client is administered a breathalyzer when they arrive.

  • For clients attending Orientation only, they shall complete their initial paperwork, complete the Orientation and then meet with a case manager to set a return Intake date for sentence/placement commencement (as bed space allows, Intakes are typically set within the next two (2) business days). New clients are given a list of allowable items to bring with them for their Intake date.
  • For clients ordered directly for Intake, they will review/sign their paperwork, whereas all rules are explained, given a tour of the facility and assigned a bunk and storage lockers.
  • For in-custody intakes (remanded at the time of sentencing), these clients are transported from the Main Jail to the Work Release facility typically the next day after the client has cleared all holds (i.e., warrants, bonds, etc.).

2. When does a sentence/placement start?

The sentencing Court sets the start date and denotes on the Intake Form or sentencing Mittimus. On this date, the client’s sentence commences (starts). Work Release staff cannot grant an extension of the Intake date. If in custody, staff will pick up the client and transport them over to the facility (excluding out of county clients). Otherwise, all new clients must self-report on the date and time (9:00 AM) indicated by the Court.

3. What should a client bring for their INTAKE date?

Below is a list of the most common items to bring. 

  • 7-10 days’ worth of clothes in collapsible trash bags (NO suitcases); all clothing is ran through a high-heat commercial dryer. No more than two (2) bath towels.
  • A reasonable amount of laundry detergent; there are on-site coin-operated washers and dryers.
  • Basic hygiene items (e.g., soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and non-alcohol mouthwash). Any grooming/shaving must be done with manual razors, such as a disposable razor. (NO powered razors).  
  • Two (2) forms of identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, Colorado Identification, Social Security card, and/or Birth Certificate).
  • If disabled, proof of disability and proof of any benefits received (e.g., SSI or SSDI).
  • If requesting driving privileges, the client must show proof of vehicle registration and insurance as well as proof of compliance with any restrictions at the time of the Intake (i.e., Interlock).
  • A copy of the client’s last paystub from work and the client’s employer’s contact information. If disabled or retired, proof of benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI or Social Security statement).
  • Any current prescribed and/or non-prescribed medications, and in their original containers.
  • Seven (7) days’ worth of individually wrapped, non-perishable food in single servings (serving size of 6 or less), one (1) plastic bowl, one (1) plastic plate, one (1) Tupperware style dish, one (1) cup, plastic forks, and spoons, and one (1) plastic water bottle up to 32 oz.
  • If needed, one (1) battery-operated alarm clock. No radio. Just an alarm clock, no cord attached.
  • Optional personal items allowed in a housing unit:
    • Personal locker organizer and/or no more than four (4) organizing baskets for individually assigned locker.  Locker organizers must use Velcro attachments.
    • Makeup and other beauty items (no mirrors).
    • Reading (no more than 2 books) and writing materials.
    • MP3 player with small text screen and corded ear buds. No headphones.
    • Small battery fan, no bigger than six (6) inches.
    • Small flashlight, no more than 3 inches long or small headband light.
    • Bicycle and lock.

4. Does the Work Release program issue anything to clients?

Yes. All client bedding, pillow, sheets, blankets - no personal bedding is allowed. Bedding items are exchanged and laundered on a weekly basis and at no cost to clients. All new clients are also issued three (3) padlocks for their storage lockers.

5. When can a client go to work?

Clients cannot go to work on their first day of placement.  During the Intake process, clients are required to provide proof of employment, their last paystub or last two (2) years of taxes assessed if self-employed. Clients must provide all their employment information, name, address, phone number, name of direct supervisor and work schedule. Work Release staff will then contact the employer for verification purposes. If approved, clients are permitted to go to work the next day.

6. How long and how far can a client be away from the facility?

The maximum time spent away from the facility, per day, is fourteen (14) hours, with a minimum of eight (8) consecutive hours required in the facility. Travel time may not exceed one hour and half (1.5 hours) and/or a distance greater than sixty (60) miles away from the facility. Staff must pre-approve all time away of the client from the facility. If a client does not return to the facility or is deemed out of place of assignment, they will be issued an Infraction Report and/or a warrant will be issued for their arrest.  Many clients are placed on an electronic monitoring GPS tracking device (at no cost the client) to ensure their whereabouts in the community.

7. What if a client is not employed?

Clients are given a reasonable amount of time outside of the facility to seek employment opportunities until gainfully employed. However, if a client does not make genuine efforts to obtain gainful employment, their sentence/placement may be transferred to the jail. Case Managers may provide employment resources to assist clients with obtaining employment.

8. What activities can clients do outside the facility, besides work or work seek?

Clients are allowed out of the facility for court ordered activities, for medical appointments, school, scheduled attendance to treatment sessions and/or to meet with their Probation Officer. Clients are also given two (2) hours weekly for business purposes (“Business Time Release,” e.g., go to a store, to a bank, get a haircut, etc.). Clients may earn additional time outside of the facility for leisure purposes (“Earned Time Release”) up to ten (10) hours per week, based on positive program compliance. These sign-outs must be preapproved by staff.

9. Can clients have visitors while in the program?

There is no client visitation in the Work Release Facility. “Drop offs” or “pick-ups” are only permitted on an individual basis and with Work Release staff approval. Earned Time Release is to be used for visits outside of the facility and at approved locations.

10. Can clients have a cell phone in the facility?

Clients are assigned three (3) storage lockers, one (1) in the front lobby and two (2) in the housing unit. Cell phones are not allowed in the housing unit but can be stored in the front lobby locker and used outside the facility. There are pay phones throughout the facility, prepaid calling cards can be purchased on-site and there are on-line account options also available to clients.

11. Are meals provided in the Work Release program?

No, clients are responsible to provide their own meals. Clients can bring food into the facility according to food and drink allowance policies described to clients at their Orientation and Intake; microwaves are available in housing units for heating food, but there is no onsite refrigeration. There are many vending machines throughout the facility, and many provide a variety of full meal options. Clients can also purchase meals through a sign-up process. Daily Meals are $5.00 per day (includes breakfast, lunch & dinner), and meal balance must be paid weekly. Clients with special dietary requirements must inform staff (and show proof), to ensure meals are prepared correctly.

12. What food is allowed in the facility?

Individually packaged, non-perishable food items may be brought in and stored in the client’s assigned front lobby locker. Examples include “cup-a-soup, breakfast bars,” etc. Non-perishable means food that does not require refrigeration and will not mold or rot.

13. Does Work Release placement cost anything?

Yes, a daily fee of $16 is assessed for clients sentenced by any Weld County/19th Judicial District or County Court and a $27 daily fee is assessed if the client is serving an out of county case. Clients are required to make weekly payments in the form of a money order or with a credit/debit card. Clients serving an out of county case, must pay their first month in advance.

14. Do clients get any time off their sentence?

Yes, clients are afforded the opportunity to reduce the term of their sentences, as provided by Colorado Law. This is fully explained at the client’s initial Orientation and/or Intake.

15. Does Work Release pay for client’s medical care?

No, clients are responsible for their own medical and dental care and general living expenses while at the Work Release Facility.

16. Does Work Release provide any transportation to clients?

Clients are responsible for providing their own reliable transportation to approved destinations; detours and unauthorized locations are prohibited.  If approved to operate a motor vehicle, clients must park their vehicle on the premises of the Work Release Facility. If using a bicycle, the client must register their bicycle with staff and lock it to the front bike rack. There is also a bus stop located in front of the building (Greeley-Evans Transit “GET”).