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Warden Jann Gartman
describes the new detention facility:
“Lea County has
contracted with White Construction and HOK architects to
construct a new adult and juvenile detention facility. The new
facility will be located at 1401 S. Commercial, Lovington, NM
88260.
We have designed the
new facility to provide housing for 400 adult inmates and 32
juvenile inmates, with the appropriate infrastructure to
increase the adult housing to 500. We have a combination of
direct and indirect supervision pods with a strong emphasis on
programs and treatment components. These programs are designed
to promote change, increase self esteem and encourage a positive
approach to a law-abiding lifestyle.
Additionally, we
have included a borrowed light concept in the design process.
This approach uses natural light to flood dayrooms and deliver
filtered light to cells and other locations in the facility. It
uses the common sense notion that abundant natural light is
essential for modern jail operations and that natural light
should be provided where it can do the most good. The borrowed
light approach to facility design also responds to the American
Correctional Association’s requirements for “access to
natural light”.
Another design
concept that we included is an exterior mechanical chase which
allows staff to maintain mechanical systems through an exterior
access without entering inmate areas. This also serves as a
second perimeter wall which increases security of the facility.
The double outside walls also provide for a positive economical
effect to the heating and cooling system.
We will have a large
community room that will be available year around for community
groups to schedule meetings.
Our medical unit
includes a small outpatient facility and eight (8) inpatient
beds. We will have medical staff on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
We have a 15 bed
classification unit that will house inmates as they go through
the complicated classification and orientation process, prior to
their assignment to the housing area.
Our Juvenile unit
will include a classroom, open air recreation and will also
house the Juvenile Probation Department. Education programs,
bible study, counseling and life skills programs will be offered
to the juvenile residents.
We have received
$2.5 million in grant funds from the U.S. Marshal’s Service to
assist us in the construction of the new facility. We also have
a twenty year contract with them to house 100 federal inmates.
This housing contract will make the annual payment for the
construction of the new facility.”
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