Press Release: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Announces Selection of New Correctional Healthcare Partner
DATE/TIME: 11/18/2025 at 4:15 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Announces Selection of New Correctional Healthcare Partner
LOCATION: 1414 Natividad Road, Salinas, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the selection of Correctional Healthcare Partners (CHP Monterey), based in San Diego, California, as the new provider of correctional healthcare services for individuals in custody at the Monterey County Jail.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the five-year, five-month, $139 million contract for medical, dental, mental-health, and Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) services. CHP Monterey was selected following a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process conducted by the Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the County’s Contracts and Purchasing Office, including a multidisciplinary evaluation team. This decision marks a significant transition as the Sheriff’s Office concludes its longstanding partnership with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG).
“Our partnership with CHP Monterey marks an important step forward in strengthening healthcare within our jail and meeting the standards our community and courts expect,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto. “As we conclude our long-standing contract with CFMG, we want to recognize and thank them for their decades of service to Monterey County. This transition allows us to enhance medical and mental-health care, improve accountability, and ensure that every individual in our custody receives treatment delivered with dignity, respect, and professionalism.”
Chief Deputy Tim Lanquist added, “After a thorough and competitive evaluation process, we are confident that Correctional Healthcare Partners will bring innovative, compassionate, and high-quality care to those in our custody. Correctional healthcare is community healthcare.”
Dr. Peter Freedland, MD, Chief Executive Officer for Correctional Healthcare Partners, stated, “We look forward to working side-by-side with the County to ensure a high standard of care for each individual from day one. Monterey County’s commitment to whole-person wellness aligns with our mission to create meaningful and lasting improvements in patient care.”
Monterey County Supervisor Chris M. Lopez stated, “This contract is an investment in public safety, public health, and human dignity. By partnering with a provider capable of meeting the expectations of our Board and community, we are ensuring that the Monterey County Jail meets modern standards of medical, behavioral, and mental-health care. Recognizing the severe and more complicated medical and behavioral health needs produced by realignment and evolving needs of our community, this is about more than compliance—it’s about doing what is right for people who depend on us for their care.”
The selection of Correctional Healthcare Partners reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing commitment to improving correctional healthcare delivery, ensuring compliance with evolving national standards, and addressing the complex healthcare needs of the jail population.
CHP Monterey will begin service implementation on January 1, 2026, with a focus on increased staffing, continuity of care, and a smooth transition for both patients and staff.