The Lincoln County Jail is getting a facelift.
The roughly $2.4 million project is covered by ARPA funds, according to Sheriff Kevin Garrett, and is upgrading facilities originally built in the late 1960s. A previous renovation added newer facilities in 2011.
The project is currently in Phase 2, with Phase 1 being a renovation of office space used by investigators, deputies and the sheriff. The admin office was moved to the former District Attorney’s office and is now directly attached to the jail facilities. The DA is now across the hall from the sheriff’s office.
Phase 2 is expected to be completed by around April, Garrett said.
This also included updating and expanding evidence storage. The sheriff said that with rape kits now requiring storage of up to 50 years, proper storage was critical. The new system includes secure lockers where officials can deposit evidence that is then processed. It allows for clear tracking, showing exactly who has handled evidence and when, ensuring there is no tampering.
He said the previous, smaller evidence room is being considered to store only rape kits.
Garrett said the renovation represents a massive upgrade from the previous facilities. It is completely transforming the jail space by getting rid of cramped, outdated cells and upgrading them to more modern facilities that include a consultation room in the actual jail complex for attorneys and clients. This includes adding about 20 more beds.
The project also includes security and functionality upgrades. There will be new shower facilities, ventilation, sewer and security grids. A two-door security system for jail entry and exit is being built, which is standard in correctional facilities. All door controls will be centralized, and they’re installing heavy-duty doors with proper hinges.
“It’s going to be nicer. It’s going to be better than what it was,” Garrett said, adding that the jail will be in compliance with all new laws and standards.
The sheriff is one year into his term and has been hard at work trying to make improvements in the department. Beyond working through the renovations, Garrett worked to get more benefits and pay for detention officers, which he said is an oftenoverlooked position. It requires the right kind of person, which he has been focusing on finding.
The department also has a new wellness deputy program starting up. A trained deputy will do evaluations and prescreenings of inmates to determine if they are dealing with addiction or mental health issues and what needs they may have because of those.
“We’ve got to do a better job on trying to screen the mental health part, the addiction part. Try to offer some help and try to figure out a way to make them aware that, if it’s medication or whatnot, when they get out of jail, they fit back in,” he said. “And then we can keep that service going with Red Rock or whoever… We’ve got to try to do a better job on being a positive improvement.”