Clinton County Sheriff speaks on April 7 election issue
PLATTSBURG, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Clinton County Sheriff's Department unveiled a proposal for a new Clinton County Justice Center, a long-awaited project for the department.
According to a press release, the facility will be designed to modernize the county's legal infrastructure and address critical safety concerns within the current facility.
The proposed Justice Center represents the culmination of over 20 years of planning, spanning the administrations of the last four sheriffs and numerous county commissioners.
Unlike previous attempts, officials say this current plan is uniquely tailored to address the specific operational needs and safety priorities of the next 20 to 30 years.
A primary driver for the project is the deteriorating state of the existing facilities.
"Under our current conditions, the environment has become increasingly unsafe for our staff," Sheriff AJ Carrel said. "We are managing today's jail population in a facility that was never designed for modern security requirements."
To solve this, the new Justice Center will utilize a podular design approach, a modern architectural standard that enhances visibility by allowing staff clear, unobstructed sightlines into housing areas, increases safety by minimizing blind spots and reducing physical risks for both correctional officers and inmates, and improves management by facilitating better movement and monitoring to create a more controlled and professional environment.
Officials say the solution is the result of unprecedented collaboration between 10 current elected officials.
The project has also earned significant support from state leadership, receiving formal endorsements from State Senator Rusty Black and State Representative Dean VanSchoiack.
The project will be funded by a proposed 1/4 cent sales tax for a 30 year period and will provide a complete upgrade to the county's judicial engine, including modern courtrooms, prosecutor's offices, a revamped Circuit Clerk's office, and an adequate system to accommodate a 90-person jury pool, ensuring efficient court proceedings.
The facility will also include dedicated focus on mental health services and classification systems to meet all state and federal guidelines.
"This project is about more than just square footage," Sheriff Carrel added. "It is about providing the necessary security to house today's population while protecting the men and women who work within these walls."
For more information, visit www.clintonjusticecenter.com.
