WAR Construction Manager Roy May provides more details on new state-of-the-art detention facility

HAMILTON — WAR Construction Manager Roy May provided more details on the county’s new detention facility, which took two years to complete.
“The facility is 30,000-plus square feet in size and houses more than 200 guests, as well as staff areas,” May said.
“Besides the cell blocks, there are 40 cells, with 38 individual cells, one arraignment cell and one attorney cell. There are 16 staff office locations, including the command center and dispatch.”
The kitchen size is 1,600 square feet, with ample storage space to allow items to be purchased in bulk. The yard size is 6,300 square feet, and completely fenced-in. The recent installation of the pre-fabricated communications tower is the last phase of the construction process.
May noted the facility has 360-degree surveillance inside and out. There is a fully-integrated lighting control system, as well as  fully-integrated fire surveillance and alarm control systems.
The entire facility is also fully computerized, with breech alarms and touchscreen controls. There is also a top-of-the line plumbing system.
“As far as the security of the facility, it is solid-poured and extremely reinforced and designed to contain inmates with minimal opportunity for escape or damage and injury,” May said.
“The video visitation system is cutting-edge technology to ensure both safety and efficiency for both staff and inmates.”
The detention center also includes a full Emergency Management Agency Situation Room, with monitors, radios and first response capabilities. A meeting room will also be available for fire and police personnel.
May continued his comments, noting the county’s new jail is the very best jail facility--to date--to be constructed in the State of Alabama.
“The new Marion County Jail is a state-of-the-art, cutting-edge facility,” he said. “Not only is it carving its way into the most technological advancements the detention industry has to offer, such as unilateral surveillance and detection, but also in safety of both staff and occupants.
“With every inch and detail meticulously looked at to ensure not only its quality and structure was the best it could be, but also that it was the best measured approach to deliver an outstanding end result and quality product for the client.
“This is truly a top-tier facility from every aspect of the word, being heavily reinforced and meticulously built by teams of ace trade contractors at the top of their game, with immense skill, knowledge and a drive unwavering to deliver excellence.
“The Marion County Jail and Sheriffs Office is a work of engineering and art at the precipice. WAR Construction is honored to have had the luxury and opportunity to partner with Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams, as well as the Marion County Commission, to deliver their vision for this project for the law enforcement entities, as well as the community it serves.
“An abundant amount of respect and gratitude is owed to all the hard-working dedicated tradesmen who worked diligently and purposely to build such an outstanding facility.
“For myself, it has been a privilege to serve alongside such professionals. To lead from the front and carve the path to victory, WAR Construction has a reputation of excellence and being a leader in the industry. We look forward to furthering this mission and leading the way towards the future.”