Worth Co. Sheriff’s Office’s new jail

SYLVESTER, Ga. – The Worth County community officially broke ground on a much needed new county facility.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche has more.

The Worth County community came together to help break ground on the new county jail. And, this will not only be the future site of the jail, but the sheriff’s office will be moving from the Worth County Courthouse.

Worth County Sheriff Don Whitaker tells us how this new jail is going to help law enforcement when dealing with criminals.

“But, it’s going to cut down on our transport time. It’s going to cut down on the farming out inmates to other counties. It’s going to help the city here. They won’t have to transport their inmates to another county to house them. It’s just going to help in so many ways and save us money. But, I think it’s something that the can is going to be proud of. I really am,” said Sheriff Don Whitaker, Worth Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Worth County Commission Chairman, Fred Dent says the new jail and sheriff’s office has been a long time coming for worth.

“We have known for a long time that we needed a new jail. We were operating with an old jail, that was no longer up to standard. And, frankly, it was a court case waiting to happen. So, we had to find and make a determination. We’ve got to do something. We’ve got to build a new jail,” said Fred Dent, Chairman, Worth Co. Commission.

The new facility represents more than just a new center for the sheriff’s office.

To community leaders, it feels like an investment into Worth County.

“I think is going to make a much safer area. As the sheriff was talking earlier about how they’re going to be able to add new things to it to make it safer for the officers as they’re coming in and making it safer for our community,” said Kayla Myers, President, Worth Co. Chamber of Commerce.

“Public safety is the number one priority of any government. It’s through government reform to protect the citizens and to have a good place here, a good jail here that we can put people in who need to be put is certainly going to be a benefit to us and uphold the law enforcement that we have in the county. I think it’s a win-win,” said Dent.

As crews begin to get to work on the new jail, there’s a sense of optimism when it comes to the investment of Worth County.

Sheriff Whitaker says the county is hoping to have the jail completed in around 24 months.

Brian Roche reporting.

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