New addition planned for Limestone Co. Jail

LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -

For years, Limestone County Sheriff's officials said they need more room to isolate inmates who could pose a danger to others. It looks like that extra jail space will come soon.

According to the jail administrator, they knew when they first moved into the jail in 2005 that they would need more maximum security, single-bed cells.

The Limestone County Commission awarded the project bid on Monday. There is no set date to start construction yet, but once the bid is accepted it usually takes about three or four weeks to get through the contact process and get started.

The jail currently has twelve single-bed cells in the jail right now. Single-bed cells are for inmates who need to be separated from the general population that could have a violent history. Some may need protection from other inmates. Some are put in punitive isolation cells for inmates who have broken the rules. Other single-person cells are also used for inmates who have medical issues.

The administrator says there may be violent offenders in general population who would be in one if there was room. The pods will also be useful for inmates who need medical care.

"I may never go to jail, but someone I love may. And I would expect them to be protected from violent inmates. If I have a family member with medical problems that they would be in a situation where they would be safe," said Limestone County Jail Administrator Captain Vanessa Rich.

Rich said inmates with more violent tendencies tend to get in more fights, so the single-bed cells would make the environment safer for deputies.

Premier Structures Incorporated won the bid to build the 24-single bed jail pod. The estimated cost is $3.2 million. The plans allow for a future expansion for another 24 pods.

The Athens City Planning Board will vote Tuesday night on whether to approve the architect's plans.

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New addition planned for Limestone Co. Jail