Sheriff Landers explains to the first group all about the new jail.
Last November the voters of Paulding County realized it was time to reopen the jail. It had been closed since 2008 and in these past 9 years the jail has been used for filing cabinets and storage. Sheriff Jason K. Landers and the entire staff has worked hard to change the perception of the office and the jail, succeeding in getting the residents of the county to back the jail with tax dollars. Sheriff Jason Landers stated, “I felt it would prevail by a couple hundred votes. Never in my thoughts did I think it would pass by a 60%-40% split.” With the successful vote this means that the county’s incarcerated will be moved back to the county.
On Saturday, June 3 the Sheriff’s Office opened the jail to the public for the last time. The Open House had people lined up ready for the tour before the start time.
Sheriff Landers took the first round of visitors through at 10 am. The tour showed the technology updates that have increased the security and safety of the prisoners and the staff. From the booking and delousing to internment this new jail can hold over 50 inmates. This should not be a problem since Paulding County averages under 23 detainees at a time. The female and male sections are segregated by a barrier with up to 8 being held on the female side. The male prisoners have a two story section. The convicts have a recreation area that is outside but still enclosed by brick walls.
For those detainees who show exceptional responsibility they can be rewarded by getting outdoor detail with washing and waxing vehicles, performing laundry duties or helping out with the chef.
After the open house the jail will be in lockdown as the prisoners start to be brought back starting the first full week of June. This is a 3 month earlier than expected date for the opening as everything went better than expected for training and facility preparation.
Great job to the all of the Sheriff and the employees who are making a difference in Paulding County!
