Winter 2021 County Lines

Page 32

AAC

FEATURE

Sharp County completes new detention center

T

he new year brought a new detention center to Sharp County. The brand new facility, which was revealed to the public during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 8, is outfitted with 100 new beds, updated

security systems, a nurse’s station, commercial kitchen, sprinkler system, sheriff’s offices and more. The former jail was built in the early 1980s, was over capacity, and was not able to meet jail standards. To solve the problem, Sharp County needed a facility that was up to code, but they needed to pass a sales tax to fund the $8.4 million jail. At the ballot box, residents passed a half-cent sales tax for construction and a quarter-cent tax for facility

maintenance. “The jail was desperately needed as decisions were being made as to who to keep in the jail and who to release,” County Judge Gene Moore said. “Warrants were not able to be served as the jail was out of space to house them.” Updated security technology including a central control center and new vision system, were the most needed features, Moore said. “We have what is called a bird’s nest where there will be jailers watching all the inmates 24 hours a day by sight and cameras,” he said. “Access will be limited; the inmate will be able to have virtual visitation without ever leaving their cells.” Sheriff Mark Counts is relieved that the new jail is now secure and safe for the inmates and his staff, and he credits a dedicated group of people, and citizens for their vote. “It wasn’t just one person working hard to get this accomplished,” he said. “They’ve [put] a lot of time and effort into this and so I appreciate it. The citizens of Sharp County [have] something to be proud about.” Judge Moore seconds Sheriff Counts. “First and foremost, I thank the people of Sharp County who have supported this new project from the beginning,” he said. “The Quorum Court, Sheriff Mark Counts and his Chief Deputy Aaron Presser have put countless hours in the new detention center.”

Top: A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Jan. 8 for the new Sharp County Detention Center, which has 100 beds, updated security systems, and more. Sharp County residents approved two taxes to make the construction and maintenance of the building possible. Above left: Sharp County Judge Gene Moore addresses those attending the ceremony. Above middle: Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge was a special guest. Above right: Sharp County Sheriff Mark Counts credited many people for making the new jail possible. 32

COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2021


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