Ribbon cutting held for new Justice Complex in Prentiss
Published 7:52 am Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Holley Cochran / The Prentiss Headlight—The JDC Board of Supervisors and Sheriff with David Marsh of Benchmark, Inc. stand in front of the new jail in Prentiss. Pictured from left: Demmarrio Booth, Terry Mathis, Corky Holliman, Sheriff Ron Strickland, Bobby Rushing, Charles Reid and David Marsh.
Supervisors, law enforcement officers, mayors, and other officials and community members were present for the ribbon cutting held Monday for the new Justice Complex in Prentiss.
The four-acre site is just south of the Highway 13 and Highway 84 interchange on Industrial Park Lane.
James Harrell offered prayer before Sheriff Ron Strickland officially cut the ribbon with the Board of Supervisors, Chancery Clerk, Board Attorney and Benchmark President at his side.
“We want to thank you all for coming today,” said JDC Board President Bobby Rushing. “Our biggest concern was the safety and security of this community, and we are proud to have remedied that situation with this state-of-the art facility.”
The 60-bed center has separate areas for males and females and includes rooms to house multiple prisoners, single bed rooms and each side has a safe room for those that are mentally unstable. There is also an area where the prisoners can communicate with family members.
Offices for the sheriff and his staff of investigators, deputies and office personnel are in the building in front of the jail. That building also includes a kitchen, dispatch room and storage areas.
The board began making plans for the new detention center in September 2021 and officially broke ground on the four-acre site May 16, 2022.
“This is a great thing for Jefferson Davis County,” said JDC Sheriff Ron Strickland. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible. I am pleased to have a facility that is safe and secure for everyone involved.”
David Marsh, President of Benchmark Construction Corporation, oversaw the construction and completion of the facility. “It was a privilege for us to be involved in this I know it has been a long time coming,” said Marsh. “This facility is going to last longer than anyone here today and the ease of the whole process is due to the sheriff and the board of supervisors working with us.”
Furniture and supplies are currently being ordered and delivered. Officials hope to move into the new facility after the first of the year once everything is stocked and equipment is transferred.
