DELPHI, Ind.—After years of planning and collaboration, Carroll County has officially opened its new Sheriff’s Office and Detention Facility. The new 34,000-square-foot facility space is designed to enhance safety, efficiency and rehabilitation.
On a recent Saturday morning, Sheriff Tony Liggett, former Sheriff Tobe Leazenby, Carroll County Commissioners, Delphi Mayor Kamron Yates, and State Sen. Ronnie Alting gathered with community members to commemorate the occasion. The grand opening marked a new chapter for Carroll County, replacing an outdated jail with a facility that is built to serve the community’s needs for years to come.
The venue replaces a 42-year-old county jail that had outgrown its capacity, housing only 34 inmates in a space that was long overdue for improvements. With 104 beds, the new facility provides the county with the space it needs to operate more safely and effectively.
“It was a long, long process, from site selection to selection of architect to, what will it look like? What all do we need in it?” said Commissioner Bill Brown. “It has been an incredibly long job, but we’re here now, and I’m excited about it.”
This facility isn’t just bigger — it’s smarter. Every element prioritizes operational efficiency and safety. A larger intake area streamlines the booking process, while an elevated central observation point provides broad visibility into housing areas, enhancing security.
Other advanced technologies and modern design strategies ensure a safer and more efficient facility, including state-of-the-art surveillance systems, innovative door controls, modern water management, and prefabricated modular steel cells designed for durability and long-term use.
For Elevatus the project was about creating a facility that balances security, efficiency and dignity while meeting the evolving needs of the county.
“As the architects for the project, Elevatus Architecture and our team are both proud and humble to see our collective vision realized in such an integral and meaningful way,” said Architect Greg Wehling. “This facility is more than a building, it’s a critical part of the community’s infrastructure, designed to serve the needs of the county for years to come. From the very beginning, our goal was to create a place that is secure, efficient, and humane—a place where process and safety go hand-in-hand.”
Sheriff Liggett emphasized that the new facility is not just a place of confinement — it’s a space that offers opportunities for change. The sheriff aims to offer programming for inmates including GED programs, substance abuse recovery, and other rehabilitation initiatives, to help reduce recidivism and support individuals in rebuilding their lives.
For former Sheriff Tobe Leazenby, now serving as Chief Deputy, seeing the project come to life was a proud moment. Leazenby was sheriff when the county first began exploring plans for a new jail, and after years of work, he was all smiles as he welcomed the public inside for tours.
“It’s a long time coming and it’s a great thing for this county,” said Leazenby. “It’s a great opportunity for you, as county taxpayers, to see your product come to fruition.”
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Jail is a forward-thinking investment in public safety, efficient operations, and rehabilitation. Designed to adapt and evolve with the county’s needs, the facility stands as a testament to what happens when thoughtful planning, community collaboration, and smart design come together.
With the doors now open, Carroll County has a facility built not just for today, but for the challenges of tomorrow.
This article was based on a report from Aaron Organ and Elevatus Architecture.
