Candler County is preparing to open a new detention center designed to address years of plumbing, structural, medical and safety problems at its existing jail.
County residents toured the nearly completed facility during an open house Monday, August 31, in Metter.
The new jail sits beside the current Sheriff’s Office complex on East Hiawatha Street and will hold approximately 102 inmates.
The existing facility was designed for about 75.
Sheriff John Miles said deteriorating conditions forced officials to limit the old jail’s population and house some inmates in other counties.
Water leaks, failing plumbing and other repair needs reportedly cost the county more than $100,000 during the last year alone.
The new facility includes a dedicated medical suite with space for examinations and secure medication storage.
Medical care at the old jail was frequently handled in the booking area or required transporting an inmate elsewhere.
Separate holding cells have also been constructed for juveniles awaiting transfer.
Previously, staff sometimes had to supervise a juvenile inside a conference room because the jail lacked an appropriate area separated from adult inmates.
Other improvements include:
Housing designed for inmates with medical or mental-health needs.
Cameras covering cells and housing areas.
Intercoms allowing inmates to contact officers.
Electronic monitoring of doors and gates from a central control room.
A digital system documenting required security checks.
Private attorney meeting rooms and space for remote court appearances.
Video visitation available from the jail lobby or remotely.
The county’s emergency dispatch operation has already moved into the new complex. Transferring inmates will be the next major step, with the jail expected to become fully operational this fall.
The project’s reported cost was approximately $11.6 million as construction approached completion.
Funding includes a $9.38 million general-obligation bond issued in 2023, along with interest earned on the bond proceeds, county reserves and voter-approved sales-tax funds used for portions of the equipment.
Officials designed the building so an additional housing section could be added if Candler County requires more capacity in the future.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
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