COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. Whitley County marked a major milestone in public safety with the grand opening of its new Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center. This modern, 58,320-square-foot facility provides a secure, cost-effective solution to longstanding challenges that plagued the county, including overcrowding and compliance, and is poised to serve the community for years to come.
Community members joined officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony this past autumn, and were welcomed inside for an open house, where they toured the entire facility—from the Sheriff’s Office and administrative suites to the housing units, 911 dispatch center, court space, and evidence processing areas. Attendees explored the 248-bed detention center, with 60 prefabricated steel cells organized into 12 classifications to ensure secure, appropriate housing. This facility includes Whitley County’s first purpose-designed JCAP (Jail Chemical Addiction Program) space, reinforcing the county’s commitment to anti-addiction initiatives.
Constructed from steel with non-loadbearing interior partitions, the facility was wrapped in handsome brick and corrugated metal panels on its exterior to help control the budget while maintaining durability. Inside, the layout supports operational efficiency, flowing from the sallyport to the intake center, on to inmate services like kitchen and laundry, and moving into the housing pods, which are situated around a central raised control room for optimal supervision and equipped with a state-of-the-art security and electronics system essential for managing today’s detention demands. Outside the secure area are spaces for court services, a multipurpose room, 911 emergency services, sheriff’s offices including a large squad room, and wellness and break rooms.
Tony Vie, Justice Team Lead at Elevatus, said during the ribbon cutting that the facility would “improve the community for generations to come.”
“Modern jail facilities are not just punishment or places for people to pay their punitive debts, but they’re places where they can get healing, they can get help, and it excites me for this facility to have that influence, to serve this community,” he added.
Elevatus worked closely with Whitley County officials and sheriff’s department personnel to create a functional, adaptable environment that meets both current needs and future growth. With ample room for expansion, a specialized 911 dispatch center, court services, an anti-addiction unit, and advanced security, the new Whitley County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center embodies the county’s dedication to public safety, operational efficiency, and community well-being.
Editor’s Note: This article was based on a report by Aaron Organ with Elevatus Architecture.
