As the Sacramento County Main Jail handles more inmates with psychiatric problems, the Sheriff’s Department is developing a new section staffed by UC Davis medical professionals, social workers and deputies that can provide intensive mental services without 24-hour care.

Under a plan passed by county supervisors this month, the county within weeks will add 20 new outpatient beds to the section of the jail for inmates with mental health issues.

For Sacramento’s new program, four social workers and a part time psychiatrist or nurse practitioner will come from the University of California, Davis Health System, which provides medical and psychiatric care at the jail. The Sheriff’s department asked for nine new officers – one sergeant and eight deputies – to staff the unit 24/7.

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