
ASHEBORO N.C. (ACME NEWS) – Community leaders, citizens, and law enforcement representatives are invited to an open house for the Randolph County Detention Center expansion on Sunday, June 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff-led tours of the new expansion will be available to the public until 5:00 p.m., with no contact between visitors and current inmates.
The expansion was approved to alleviate inmate overcrowding and provide additional individual cells for better population management. This project was completed under the direction of Sheriff Greg Seabolt and the Randolph County Board of Commissioners in response to orders from the state jail inspector to reduce inmate numbers at the facility. Overcrowding in recent years had forced the county to house inmates in neighboring counties, costing $55 per inmate per day, rather than paying state-imposed fines.
Originally opened in May 1997 with a capacity of 198 beds, the expansion will increase the facility’s capacity to 422 beds and will bring the total size of the detention center to 101,091 square feet. The current inmate population will be moved into the new housing units by the end of June, pending final state inspections, after which renovations will begin on existing units to improve safety and security.
Further renovations to the kitchen, laundry, and booking/intake areas will also be made to support the larger inmate population. These updates are anticipated to be completed within 18 months.
The open house offers a chance for citizens to tour the facility, meet the dedicated Randolph County Detention Center staff, and learn about the center’s daily operations. Staff members will be on hand to guide tours, answer questions, and explain the services provided.
NOTE: Photography is not allowed during the open house tour.
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