To expand Henry County’s outdated and overpopulated downtown jail, the Henry County Commissioners set out on a path to develop new housing and treatment options for those currently serving time. However, the downtown location quickly became a hindrance to its furthered growth. The opportunity to build a brand new jail facility became a more preferred choice. They were also able to implement a familiar and proven design based on a similar jail facility. Commissioners worked with the Indiana Department of Corrections to purchase a state-owned property and begin the design and construction process for the new Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center.
The facility will consist of all the functions required for jail operations, including Sheriff’s administration space, video visitation/arraignment stations, intake, sallyport, foodservice and laundry, medical, and housing. The Housing unit will contain 240 beds in total. The two-tier housing pod is subdivided into nine units to give officers maximum flexibility for classification. The facility overall provides the Sheriff with 12 classifications to optimize jail efforts. An elevated 2-story control provides excellent sightlines into the dayrooms of the entire pod.
The Sheriff’s administration space contains a detective area, workout room, evidence storage, a multipurpose room.
The facility also contains minimum security dorms for rehabilitation and treatment programs.
The project is slated to be complete in 2022.
