After nearly six years of planning, designing and construction, the new Carroll County jail is now fully operational. Sheriff, Ken Pingrey, says the jail is a remarkable upgrade from the previous facility that was built nearly six decades ago.
According to Pingrey, the previous jail had a maximum capacity of only 14 prisoners, and they were regularly meeting or exceeding that level. With space so limited, jail staff was unable to separate inmates into their proper classification. Now with a 42-prisoner capacity, Pingrey says overcrowding should not be an issue any longer.
He adds the new jail is superior logistically, as well. They have an in-house kitchen, which makes providing food for prisoners easier, and the added security makes intake and transport much safer for deputies and jailers. Pingrey says the jail was designed to meet Carroll County’s needs now and into the future, but it has the added benefit of being able to house some prisoners from surrounding counties.
The Sheriff’s Office made their official move to their new space last week, and Pingrey says the response from staff has been almost 100-percent positive.
He adds their administrative offices also have moved. Anyone needing to pick up a weapons permit, accident report or for any other non-emergency issue can find what they need on the jail’s second level.
