Deputy Jailers for the new Russell County Detention Center received 40 hours of classroom training this week in preparation for the jail opening.

Seasoned trainers with the department of corrections lectured the new and returning jailers on every aspect of the position and how to keep an efficient and safe facility.  “What they're learning is the limitations set by jail standards,” said Instructor Coordinator Rick, who requested his last name not be used. “That's it in a nutshell, what they're required to know by law."

More specifically, the jailers learned everything from dealing properly with inmates, insuring inmate rights, the responsibilities of a jailer, how to conduct visitation, stress management, and report writing/documentation. These were just a few of the long list of topics discussed which also included some topics not open to the public.

Jailer Bobby Dunbar also addressed the deputy jailers with his expectations of staff at the Russell County Detention Center. His talk focused on professionalism in and out of the facility, having a passion for the job, taking pride in the job, and always striving for perfection.

On Tuesday, architectural inspectors for Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. performed a "punch list" inspection, insuring the cosmetics of the building meet code and standards set. After completing the inspection, the company will report their findings to the department of corrections representatives who are scheduled to be in town February 9 to perform testing and final inspections. Barring any corrections or modifications, the go ahead may be given to open the jail shortly after.

The beginning of January schedule for opening the jail may have been on the optimistic side but it is expected the jail could open soon, possibly mid to late February according to multiple sources.

An Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony has been set for Friday, February 11. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 4 p.m. and the Open House will run from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

According to Project Manager David Milam, everything is going well with completing the jail. In his talks with the Department of Corrections he said, "Everything they've said to Jim (Gilbert) and me has been positive. They seem to be happy with the quality and were impressed with how quick the job has been done."

According to Jailer Bobby Dunbar, "From what jail inspectors tell me it's hard to build a jail like this in 10 months, it's more like a 15 month project. It's better to be safe than sorry."

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new jail took place on April 24, 2009. Actual construction was delayed some months to resolve property and soil issues.

The new, 86-bed facility is one of the last of its size to be approved by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, as new facilities being approved are on a much larger scale.