Council Oks $83M Contract for New Detention Center

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council on Tuesday approved a $83 million contract for a new 650-bed detention center to replace the aging and overcrowded current structure which was completed in 1956.

Currently, 480 prisoners are housed in the facility which is built for 240 inmates, leaving 12 inmates sometimes crowded into cells built for four inmates. This has left some sleeping on the floor. The current facility was not built with air conditioning in mind, and the lack of air flow when cooling the building has led to some moisture issues as well.

The detention center is for those charged, but not convicted, of crimes who are awaiting trial.

Anderson County Detention Center Manager Capt. David Baker said it is crucial the county move ahead with the new facility now.

Baker said annual state inspections of the jail found too many issues to correct given the current facilities.

“If I had to go to the Anderson Detention Center I would rather go to the Anderson County Animal Shelter because it’s in better shape,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.

Not being in compliance with federal law also meant the county could be ordered to pay for a new detention center built by the federal government, which would be far more costly, said Burns.

Baker said the new facility will also allow for greater safety for officers and inmates and for better supervision with fewer employees.

It will feature indirect supervision, a method of supervising inmates where correctional officers monitor inmate living areas from enclosed posts, helping avoid much direct, personal interaction with inmates.

It will also offer options for better service for those with serious mental health issues and for those struggling with addiction.

Space will also be available to allow the county to house juveniles, which now have to be escorted to Columbia by two Anderson County deputies, federal prisoners and women, all of which will generate some income.

Baker said the new facility will also be constructed with growth in mind.

“I don’t want someone 20 years from now to have to go through this again in Anderson County,” said Baker. “The plans allow for easy additional wings on the multi-story facility.

Burns said the new facility is expected to be completed and occupied in less than three years.