Clinton County built its first official jail in 1852 at a cost of $5,557.00. The jail was enlarged twenty years later for $22,240.00 to give it 13 cells. It still stands today at 352 E. Church Street, in Lock Haven.
In 1990, a new facility was dedicated in McElhattan, five miles from Lock Haven, at a cost of over three million dollars. It ascribes to the New Generation Philosophy of jail architecture and inmate management that have been developed to resolve age-old custodial dilemmas that make safe and humane incarceration problematic. More commonly referred to as direct supervision, officers are in direct physical contact with inmates and must display effective leadership skills in resolving problems and conflicts as they occur. In addition, the officer acts as a role model for offenders.