The challenges faced by jail personnel became significantly complex and demanding as a result of the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It affected correctional facilities and their operations on a global scale. This study aimed to find out the challenges faced by the jail personnel of Zamboanga del Norte Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (ZNCRC) during the COVID -19 pandemic as basis for a proposed contingency plan in the facility. This study employed the descriptive survey type of research utilizing quantitative data taken from the responses of fifty-seven (57) jail personnel in Zamboanga del Norte Correctional and Rehabilitation Center (ZNCRC) with the prime purpose of determining the challenges faced by the jail personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that mental health issues, intervention management and challenges on duties and functions was perceived to be rarely experienced by the respondents. However, the jail personnel had frequently experienced problems relative to supplies and facilities. The findings of this study have practical implications in developing a contingency plan and securing enough funds to enhance supplies and facilities for both jail personnel and those Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). This is to effectively deal with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: correctional facilities, persons deprived of liberty, mental health, health protocols, intervention management, duties and functions