For nearly 30 years, Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto, Florida, has been providing detention services for Citrus County (Florida). Yet over the years, the facility has served additional government partners, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections. Today, it’s a dynamic, fast-paced facility that operates intake 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“One of the differences between a prison facility and a detention center like ours is that justice-involved individuals are coming in and out at a quicker pace, since these individuals may not have faced a trial yet,” explained Citrus Warden Orlando Rodriguez, who has been employed at CoreCivic since 1995. “Depending on the individual’s circumstances, he or she might be in our care for just a few hours, a few days, or potentially weeks, months or years.”

Because of the transient nature of care, rehabilitative and education services are focused on short-term programs. Citrus offers preparation materials for the High School Equivalency (HSE) test and the ability for individuals to take the test onsite. Evidence-based programs such as self-guided anger management, faith-based services, and Go Further (CoreCivic’s reentry planning program) are also available for detained individuals.

Rodriguez is quick to point out that it’s not the government partners or the programs that make Citrus what it is; it’s the people.

“What sets Citrus County Detention Facility apart is our staff. I think they’re the hidden jewels of CoreCivic. I’ve worked at many facilities over the years, and this is one that just makes you feel welcome and supported when you walk in the doors,” said Rodriguez.

The facility has an active Employee Engagement Committee that is always coming up with new ideas to bring people together through fellowship. The committee aims to make Citrus a place where people look forward to working because camaraderie among a team is critical to mission success.

This spirit of camaraderie touches the local community as well. The facility regularly supports the annual “It’s All About the Cause” cancer walk, among other local charitable causes, with donations of time and money. The facility’s altruism includes those in CoreCivic's care, too. Residents from U.S. Virgin Islands Corrections volunteer to crochet blankets for donation to nursing homes and hospitals.

“We take our role to deliver safe and secure services to our government partners very seriously,” said Rodriguez. "And as we carry out these public service duties, Team Citrus strives to foster a sense of community and belonging among each other in the process."