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Ribbon Cutting for Hamilton County Jail Expansion Set for June 28th
$13.5 Million - Project Designed to Alleviate Overcrowding

Hamilton County will host a ribbon cutting for the expansion of its current jail Friday, June 28th at 11:00 a.m. The $13.5 million project will add 120 beds to the facility.

In addition to an increasing inmate population, a change in state law back in 2016 added to the county’s woes. House Bill 1006 requires lower-level felons to serve their terms in County jails rather than state prisons.

“We’ve tried everything,” Steve Dillinger, president of the County Commissioner, admits. “We even moved the female inmates from the jail pod to the Juvenile Facility. That’s what has allowed us to get by up until now, but we’ve run out of options and needed to make more room.”

The initial phase of the jail expansion features five (5) cell pods with 38 prefabricated steel cells consisting of two and four-man cells. The expansion will also include an interior recreation area, classroom and medical support area. A second phase of the project could add additional beds.

“Public safety is a top priority, so we wanted to be sure we did this right,” Dillinger adds. “We have the space to add more beds if and when that becomes necessary.”

Construction on the jail expansion began in April 2018. Inmates will move into the new facility in early July.

The public is invited to tour the new expansion as well as the current facility. On Friday, June 28, “Slumber in the Slammer 2.0” takes place with a guided tour and more from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM with financial donations accepted. Activities continue on Saturday, June 29 with guided tours taking place at 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Reservations are required and a $5.00 per person charge is required with proceeds benefiting the Chaplain’s Division. To sign up for either event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/dennis-j-quakenbush-sheriff-amp-joshua-j-carey-jail-commander-21758081838.