Construction and Renovations Starting at the Detention Center

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherford County Detention Center are

beginning major renovations and construction. We want to take a moment to address

these changes and assure the public that all services previously in place remain

available, although they may look a little different during this time.

Construction within facilities that remain operational will inevitably create

inconveniences for those visiting, working at, or requiring access to certain areas

without some type of modification. While the goal is to minimize the modification and not

create a huge undesirable effect, there will most likely be some inconvenience. We

apologize for any distress caused by these changes during the construction process.

These changes and modifications are necessary but temporary.

Step One: The normal location where officers bring inmates for processing has been

moved. The major construction project will begin in the former processing entrance area

first.

Arrestee processing is now taking place in the magistrate’s lobby which is accessed

through the front door of the facility on the Washington Street side of the building.

This change for law enforcement officers and arrestees required a space separate and

apart from the public area.

A wall with a doorway and window has been constructed in the magistrate’s lobby by

Rutherford County Maintenance staff which will allow citizens to access the magistrate

through the normal process that has been the practice prior to the beginning of

construction.

Message from Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg:

While change can sometimes be inconvenient, normal services remain the same as

before. These construction and renovation efforts are long overdue, and the

Improvements coming once the project is complete will be a win for everyone. In the

end, access to services will ultimately be much easier for everyone who needs them.

These construction and renovation efforts were made possible through State Legislative

funds and did not require local tax dollars. We look forward to improved services, a

better layout for our citizens and magistrate, and enhanced safety for our staff, law

enforcement partners, and inmates once the renovations are complete.