The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement provider for rural Johnson County and communities totaling over 35,000 residents. The current Sheriff’s Office and jail was built in 1981 and has been used daily for more than 45 years. When originally designed, the Sheriff’s Office and jail was built for 46 inmates and 50 staff members. Currently, the Sheriff’s Office has 112 employees and is forced to pay surrounding counties to put our inmates in their jails due to low capacity in our jail.
Bond Issue LY
Moves Johnson County Forward
Safety: The current Sheriff’s Office and jail isn’t safe, both in condition and size. The environmental risks include poor air quality and water leaks, as well as physical issues with aging cell doors and failing locks that can risk the safety of the staff and inmates. Johnson County is currently spending $3.2 million just to be able to keep the facility open. Having a Sheriff’s Office and jail that is safe and secure and integrated into our system of care makes the whole community safer. A new facility will better protect the community and make things safer for staff and the people in their care.
Dignity: Sheriff’s Office staff, those in our custody, and the public, all deserve dignity. We need to provide a facility that ensures a dignified environment for everyone. The current Sheriff’s Office and jail do not provide an acceptable environment for staff, those in custody, or the public.
Responsibility: Investing in our community and our public employees is all of our responsibility. Kicking the can down the road is not responsible, does not solve the problem, and is not fiscally responsible. Johnson County has had to spend nearly $17 million in other counties to house inmates and funds their departments while taking money from ours.