Bureau County’s new law enforcement center is nearing completion according to Sheriff Jim Reed. Reed issued a release on Tuesday in response to a number of questions he received regarding the project.
Reed stated that he anticipates taking possession of the building in March, after Covid-related supply issues postponed the originally anticipated Nov. 2021 completion.
“At this point, we are 98 to 99 percent complete with construction on the project,” Reed said. “That being said, there have been a number of issues we have had to deal with since the project began.”
Reed mentioned that the project has had to deal with some challenges receiving the supplies for the building such as COVID-related shortages.
“One of the biggest challenges we have faced is the supply chain,” Reed said. “Unfortunately, there were a number of supply shortages that lead to setbacks during the Covid pandemic. These shortages were major issues with construction, especially with any materials damaged in shipment.”
Reed also added that some issues arose during the construction from creating a new project from what was previously in place.
“There were some unforeseen conditions with adding a new building to the pre-existing structure, but together, our architectural firm and our contractor worked out those issues,” Reed said. “The biggest issues for the delay are the pandemic, and very simply, supply and demand.”
Reed mentioned that he anticipates taking possession of the building some time next month. A number of items still need to be moved from the current jail to the new one and equipment such as phones and computers will need to be installed.
“After the move is complete, deputies will need to be trained to operate the new system,” Reed said. “The new jail will not occupy detainees until all correctional staff have been fully trained and are comfortable with operating the facility.”
“As anxious as we are to get to work in the new facility, we understand that there will be some challenges and quite possibly, some bugs that we will need to work out. There are procedures that will be different than what we are currently used to. I’m confident our staff is up to the challenge.”
Reed ended his release by thanking all of the parties that have had a hand in bringing this facility to the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department and stated that they hope this project will reach total completion as soon as possible.
“As we near the completion of the law enforcement center, I would once again like to thank our county residents for understanding the need for this project and for supporting the referendum,” Reed said.
“I would also like to thank the Bureau County Board, County Administrator Sharon Schallhorn and the members of the Bureau County Jail Initiative Committee who helped to educate our citizens on the need for our new jail. We hope to finalize this great project in the very near future.”
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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