Complete construction of the final two cell blocks at the Chatham County Detention Center. When the Chatham County Detention Center was constructed, two cell blocks were left as shell space, to be completed in the future to accommodate growth.The current rise in the inmate population could result in more crowding in the existing cell blocks with potentially 3 inmates in a cell instead of 2 inmates in a Cell. This could create more stress and safety concerns for inmates and staff, such as the increased potential for a physical altercation. Also, as the county population increases the inmate population is expected to increase. In addition, completion of two additional cell blocks would make it easier for the Detention Center to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), passed by Congress in 2003. During the summer of 2021, the average daily population (ADP) of the Detention Center increased due to the slowdown in court activity caused by the pandemic. As courts resume and the backlog is addressed some decrease in the ADP is expected. Total capacity of the Detention Center is 110 beds. Maintaining an average daily population in the 90's puts inmates and staff at a high risk of danger. Maintaining an average daily population more than 85% of capacity makes inmate management extremely difficult and, in some cases, nearly impossible. This project is in included in the Chatham County FY 2023-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). As of January 28, 2022, further details regarding design and construction have not been identified. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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