It is unusual for anyone to want to come to a detention center. Then again it is not every day that a brand-new facility that means added employment for the residents of the parish and thousands of dollars in tax revenue is unveiled.
This past Friday a large throng of local and area dignitaries, well-wishers and supporters came to the new Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, located at 1828 Gansville Road in Jonesboro, to help celebrate the grand opening and take part in a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
“I began plans over two years ago to do this,” said Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown while speaking to the overflow audience in attendance. “I am pleased to say that I have paid over $6 million dollars for the construction without having our residents pay a single dollar in increased taxes. Not only has the development of the facility not cost our taxpayers any money, but a great number of new jobs have also been created and a large amount of new tax money will be generated which benefits everyone in the parish.”
Designed to hold a capacity of 400 inmates there is also a section that will house up to 50 juveniles, something that Brown says has been a goal of his for years.
“This fulfills a big need. It not only benefits us but the whole state as there is a severe shortage of juvenile facilities.”
He also says there are plans to implement ministry workshops to help put the inmates and juveniles on a better path once released.
“Our goal is to put each person who comes to our facility back on the street reformed and ready to begin a changed and successful life,” said Brown. “That’s our prayer. That is our hope. That is our goal.”
Before the traditional ribbon was cut signifying the official opening Brown explained in detail why the new facility was necessary.
“A little over two years ago LaSalle management got a new contract with ICE and they started housing detainees at the Jackson Parish Correctional Center where we also had our prisoners,” relayed Brown. “The government wanted us to take our prisoners out and since we have been housing them out of the parish.”
Brown went on to thank the many who assisted in the planning and construction as well as those who provided support for the facility equipped with the most current and modern technology on the inside and a high-quality exterior security system.
“If you drive by or enter the jail grounds you are on camera equipped with the latest in Zoom technology,” said Brown. “Our aim was to have the best equipment which would provide the utmost in safety for our inmates, officers on duty and our community,” concluded Brown. “Thanks to the overwhelming support we received from our civic leaders and the tremendous skill of the designer and contractor I feel we have achieved that goal.”
After Jonesboro First Baptist Pastor Brian said a prayer to bless the facility and those associated the activity moved to the entrance to the Detention Center for the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon. Following, those in attendance were invited to tour the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office administrative building that opened in 2022 after the department moved into their newly refurbished and renovated location on Hwy 167 South in Jonesboro.
“We never got to have a grand opening of the new administrative building due to Covid restrictions, so we are using this opportunity to introduce both to the community,” said Brown.
Scenes from JPSO Detention Center Grand Opening
Gm I think you guys set out to do something great as a prison but things have turned really bad there are fighting there and people who are getting hurt really bad I know this is known by staff and wardens. Please as a concerned family member I want this facility to keep a good name and good standing in the community I know it’s prison but inmates should not be subjected to this violence of being stab or beaten near death.