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Sheriff's Office Assumes Operations of Detention Facility Medical CareARLINGTON, Va. – On Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) will assume operational control of the Arlington County Detention Facility’s (ACDF) medical care and healthcare mission. This significant transition marks the first time medical care within the facility will be directly managed by county-employed staff rather than a private contractor. The Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) Jail Mental Health Team will continue to partner with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure that individuals in custody receive comprehensive and coordinated physical and behavioral healthcare. From his first day in office, Sheriff Jose Quiroz pledged to enhance medical care for individuals housed at the detention facility by creating a team of county-employed, dedicated professionals. His vision was to build a model that is accountable, experienced, and forward-thinking - one that prioritizes both the health and dignity of those in the Sheriff’s care. To fulfill this vision, the Sheriff’s Office hired four additional medical leadership team members who are county employees under the supervision of Chief Medical Director Dr. Richard Malish, M.D. The remainder of the medical team will include 12 county positions of nurses and administrative staff. Any additional positions will be temporarily staffed through a contracting agency. Unlike under the previous vendor model, the new medical staff will report directly to the Chief Medical Director who reports directly to the sheriff, ensuring alignment with county standards, ethics, and values. The transition has been supported by Falcon Correctional and Community Services, Inc., a respected team of correctional healthcare consultants. With their guidance, the ACSO has already implemented improvements to floorplans, workflows, and policies, strengthening efficiency and patient outcomes. "I am incredibly proud of the steps we’ve taken to improve the health and well-being of those entrusted to my care," said Sheriff Jose Quiroz. "This self-operated model ensures that medical care is provided by experienced professionals -- people who understand our community, our mission, and our values. It’s about accountability, compassion, and excellence." Dr. Richard Malish, who was appointed as the sheriff’s office first Chief Medical Director earlier this year, expressed enthusiasm for the next phase of this initiative. "Providing quality healthcare in a correctional setting is both a responsibility and a privilege," said Dr. Malish. "This new structure allows us to elevate the standard of care, empower our medical team, and support the Sheriff’s vision of a holistic approach to a more rehabilitative environment." Transitions of this type are not uncommon in county detention systems. Across Virginia and the nation, jurisdictions employ a range of staffing models to best meet the needs of their facilities and residents. Sheriff Quiroz and Arlington County leadership anticipate that this change will improve healthcare quality, increase efficiency, and inspire innovation among medical staff while giving inmates the tools and optimism to promote lifelong health. Sheriff Quiroz has also announced plans for the ACDF to seek accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) in the coming years, a move that will further affirm Sheriff Quiroz’s commitment to nationally recognized best practices in correctional healthcare. About Arlington County Sheriff’s OfficeThe Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is a Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Agency located in Northern Virginia. The ACSO has approximately 280 employees, both deputy sheriffs and civilian staff, who serve a population of 240,900 county residents. Arlington Deputy Sheriffs perform duties in corrections, inmate transportation, civil process service, and courtroom/courthouse security. For more information, please visit sheriff.arlingtonva.us or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. ### Media ContactAmy Meehan Image
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