Sheriff's office expanding inmate area

For several years the Sanders County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) has been planning to put in an improved inmate recreational yard to replace the existing one. Due to several safety concerns and having to save up the funds, the SCSO is finally getting started on the project this fall, having broken ground a couple weeks ago. Lieutenant Shawna Chenoweth, supervisor of the detention center and dispatch, has been spear heading the project.

Previously, if the detention center wanted to transport inmates into the yard, the detention officers would have to escort the inmates out of the main building's back door and take them around the building to the yard. This presented a safety concern for the officers, as well as the inmates and general public. On top of this, the previous yard is chain link fence only, uncovered, meaning that it cannot be used during inclement weather. According to Chenoweth, there is also some concern about the inmates being able to see through the chain link. She explained that this is a security risk, as well as a respect issue with the open-view chain link. According to Chenoweth, the Sanders County Detention Center prefers to treat their inmates with respect and to follow the philosophy to "not judge anyone based on their crimes." She is concerned that those looking in could disturb the inmates, as well as the inmates disturbing the onlookers on the outside.

The new yard will be three sides of concrete several feet high, and one side facing the building will be chain link. This will allow the detention officers to supervise from the outside, further improving their safety. The new location and positioning of the in-progress construction will allow the officers to escort the inmates directly from the building, straight into the yard. The structure will also be partially covered but will still allow the inmates access to daylight. The yard will follow Montana jail standards and regulations and will feature a camera system and lights. Chenoweth is also working to get new workout equipment for the yard.

According to Chenoweth, SCSO has been saving for this project for several years and the total cost is estimated at $51,000. Part of the project funding will come from the CARES Act.

Local contractors Burk Construction and Cleanline Concrete are working on the project, and the Sanders County Road District helped with the prep work like asphalt, fencing and ground prep. The yard is estimated to be completed by early to mid-2021.