Corrections Connections

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of September 1st.

We'll kick it off with project updates:

• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the new $145 million Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel.
• The Indiana Department of Corrections announced it will keep the current Indiana State Prison open indefinitely after the new $1.2 billion state prison opens in 2027.
• Officials in Daviess County, Kentucky are proceeding with a $40 million renovation and expansion project at the Daviess County Detention Center.
• Montana Governor Greg Gianforte introduced plans to use a portion of a $246 million prison funding bill to further renovate the Riverside Correctional Facility, adding an additional 50 to 60 beds.

Heading over to legislation and funding:

• The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry detailed its ongoing actions to reduce violence, including increased use of body cameras and CCTV technology.
• Monroe County, Indiana officials are considering plans for a new justice center with an almost $225 million price tag, with construction potentially starting in October of 2026.
• In Pierce County, Washington, a Juvenile Justice Task Force has convened to help craft plans for a new juvenile justice facility to replace the deteriorating Remann Hall.
• Canyon County, Idaho announced it will use $7.5 million from its 2026 budget to build the first phase of a new women's jail facility.

Now covering people news:

• Oklahoma Department of Corrections Executive Director Stephen Harpe will resign effective September 30th; Chief of Staff Justin Farris has been named as interim director.
• New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has nominated William R. Hart as the state's Department of Corrections Commissioner.
• DLR Group recently brought on principal Mark Ryan as a member of its Justice and Civic Design Leadership Group in Phoenix.

Heading over to Construction Reports:

• The Madison County Commission in Alabama has issued an RFQ for the planning, design, and construction of a new Madison County Courthouse, with bids due on October 2nd.
• Ector County, Texas is seeking proposals for general construction work on a new $24 million juvenile justice center, with bids due on October 2nd.

And wrapping it up with events:

• The American College of Correctional Physicians will hold its 2025 National Education Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, from September 18th to the 20th.
• The Correctional Leaders Association will host its Northeast event from September 8th through the 11th in Brentwood, New Hampshire.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of August 25th.

We'll kick it off with project updates:

• The Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance selected DiMillo Construction as Construction Manager at Risk for the new $174 million Framingham Justice Center project, expected to be complete by early 2030.
• This fall, two new facilities totaling $66 million will open at the Bill Santucci Justice Center in Roseville, California, adding 165 beds for vocational and mental health needs. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for October.
• The new $80 million Beltrami County Jail in Bemidji, Minnesota, is slightly ahead of schedule at around 40% complete and is expected to wrap up in early 2027.

Moving over to legislation and funding:

• Fulton County, Georgia, commissioners approved a $1.1 billion plan to build a new medical and mental health facility for 600 inmates, though Sheriff Pat Labat said the plan neglects urgent maintenance issues at the current jail.
• Oklahoma County Commissioners approved a site and phased construction recommendation for the future county jail, but leaders say more funding is needed as the project cost is now expected to exceed $600 million.
• For the second time, the Sac County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is pursuing a bond to replace the county's 85-year-old jail, this time for $12.5 million.

Moving over to people news:

• The Texas Board of Criminal Justice has appointed Bobby Lumpkin as the new executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, effective September 1st, succeeding the retiring Brian Collier.
• CGL promoted Joseph McKenna to head of business development for the company's Justice Services division.
• HOK recently announced the hiring of Emily Lawson as regional leader of the firm's civic and justice division in San Francisco.

Heading over to construction reports:

• The Lucas County, Ohio Board of Commissioners is seeking qualifications to perform a conditions assessment at the Lucas County Correction Center, with submissions due September 3rd.
• The Oregon Department of Administrative Services is accepting bids for a $9.2 million renovation to the McLaren Youth Correctional Facility, with bids due on September 3rd.
• The Assumption Parish Police Jury in Louisiana has issued an RFQ for engineering and architectural services for its courthouse renovation project, with submissions due September 18th.
• The Judicial Council of California has issued an RFP for design-build firms for the new Fort Ord Courthouse in Monterey County, with a construction budget estimated at more than $118 million. Bids are due on October 21st.

And finishing it off with events for the week:

• Thousands gathered in Denver last week for the American Correctional Association, Correctional Leaders Association, and Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators Summer Conferences.
• Looking ahead, the Correctional Leaders Association will host its Northeast Region meeting in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, from September 8th through the 11th.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of Aug. 18. 

We'll kick it off with project updates: 

• A proposed joint jail and police facility for Johnson County and Iowa City, Iowa, has been estimated at $106 million. 
• Work on a two-year, $75.8 million renovation of the Stark County, Ohio, jail began on Aug. 15, with Granger-Welty serving as the CMAR. 
• In more Ohio news, Wayne County held a topping out ceremony last week for its new $60 million jail, which is expected to be completed in 2027. 

Moving over to legislation and funding: 

• In Monroe County, Ind., leaders are working on design changes to reduce the cost of a new jail, which was previously estimated at up to $280 million. 
• According to the Dodge Momentum Index, spending on non-residential construction rose significantly last month, though new tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased budgets and caused project delays. 

In hiring and people announcements: 

• ModCorr announced seven industry-changing strategic hires to deepen the modular construction company's expertise, including Alexandra Myers, Timothy Hancock, Diane Bruining, Mark Van Allen, John Malonoski, Brian Birnbauer and Mike Artman. 

Moving over to construction reports: 

• Custer County, Idaho, has issued an RFP for engineering and architectural services for a jail expansion, with proposals due Sept. 4. 
• The City of Durango, Colo., is requesting qualifications from CMAR firms for a $55 million City Hall and Police Department renovation. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Sept. 9, and bids are due on Oct. 2. 
• Nolensville, Tenn., has issued a preliminary report for a $12 million project to establish a new police headquarters and will soon seek competitive bids for general contractors. 

And finishing it off with events: 

• The American Correctional Association will host its 155th Congress of Corrections from Aug. 21-26 in Denver. 
• The Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators will also host its summer leadership forum in Denver Aug. 22-24. 
• The Correctional Leaders Association Summer Conference will take place in Denver, running from Aug. 21-24. 

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at

correctionalnews.com/podcast. 

Welcome back to Corrections Connections where, today, Torrey sits down with Michael Beary, the Executive Director of JUST of DuPage County. This isn't your typical corrections story. Michael, with a background far from clinical work, saw a system needing a fresh approach, and now he’s at the forefront of a program achieving incredible success, truly changing lives and significantly reducing recidivism. It’s a powerful conversation about what’s possible when you dare to do things differently.

This episode really gets into the nuts and bolts of JUST of DuPage County’s program. Michael explains how his non-traditional methods are making a real difference. He’s not only talking theory, he's got the numbers to back it up, showing how they're breaking cycles of addiction and gang involvement. It's about more than statistics alone though. It's about understanding the deep-seated trauma these individuals carry and offering them a genuine path forward, a chance at a future many thought was lost. Michael's passion is palpable, and his story is a real eye-opener.

Episode Highlights:

• Michael Beary's unexpected journey from the business world to leading a groundbreaking correctional rehabilitation program
• JUST of DuPage County's core philosophy
• How a non-clinical, empathetic approach is achieving remarkable reductions in recidivism and relapse rates
• The program’s impressive success rates
• The importance of understanding an individual's past to help them build a new future
• Michael's belief that with the right tools and support, anyone can change, regardless of their past
• The critical role of creating a supportive, normalized environment within a correctional setting
• The power of hope and how JUST of DuPage County instills it in individuals who felt they had none left

Key Takeaways:

"People can change, but they have to change themselves. Empower them with the tools to do it."

"The key to transformation is addressing trauma, subconscious beliefs, communication, and relationships."

"A single caring person can make a difference. Be that guide and mentor."

"Rehabilitation is possible when you give people the tools and knowledge to change."

"The power of one healthy adult caring for them can change their entire life."

"Start small. Even with limited resources, you can create a program that works."

"Normalize the environment. Create spaces that feel safe and therapeutic."

"Change starts with belief. If you believe in their potential, they can achieve it."

"People can change at any age. It's never too late to transform your life."

"Rehabilitation works. It saves money and changes lives when done right."

Links:

Correctional News: https://correctionalnews.com/

Michael Beary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-beary-661851238/

JUST of DuPage County: https://justofdupage.org/

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of August 11th.

We'll start with project updates:

• Henderson County, North Carolina commissioners gave the green light for $79 million in construction funding for the county's jail expansion, part of a larger $170 million Justice Center project. Henderson County Approves $79M Jail Expansion as Part of $171M Justice Center
• Hausmann Construction has received notice to proceed on Nebraska's new 1,512-bed prison facility in Lincoln. The $312 million contract calls for completion by August 2028. Hausmann Cleared to Begin Nebraska Prison; Henderson County Moves Forward on $171M Justice Center
• In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Skanska has been hired to manage the construction of its $400 million prison project. Lancaster County Taps Skanska for $400M Prison Construction Management
• In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Corrections proactively evacuated the Rifle Correctional Center, relocating 179 inmates to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex in response to the Lee Fire. https://cdoc.colorado.gov/news-article/press-release-evacuation-of-rifle-correctional-center-completed-due-to-lee-fire

In legislation and funding news:

• Cuyahoga County, Ohio, has received $30 million in state funding to build its first community correctional facility, a 32-bed secure treatment center for youth. Cuyahoga County Secures $30M for New Youth Treatment Facility
• Shelby County, Tennessee, has unveiled a $1.26 billion plan to relocate its jail to North Memphis, adding space for 3,000 inmates plus courts and a sheriff's office. Shelby County Unveils Billion-Dollar Jail Proposal with P3 Model
• California has announced its fifth state prison closure, the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, scheduled for the 2025-26 budget cycle, with expected savings of about $150 million. CDCR Announces Another Facility Closure as Inmate Numbers Drop
• South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced a potential $17 million land purchase northeast of Sioux Falls for a new men's prison. State legislators will consider the deal on September 23rd. https://kfgo.com/2025/08/09/governor-announces-17-million-deal-for-sioux-falls-prison-site-subject-to-legislative-approval/

Moving over to hiring and people announcements:

• In St. Louis, Missouri, the city is seeking a new corrections commissioner as Doug Burris steps down from his interim role. St. Louis Searches for New jail Commissioner
• The Colorado Department of Public Safety has appointed Armando Saldate III to lead the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Armando Saldate III Named Colorado CBI Director

Moving over to construction reports:

• In Whitley County, Kentucky, bids are being accepted for its new detention center expansion project, with proposals due August 28th. Whitley County Detention Center Expansion Bid Ad
• Sacramento County, California is accepting sealed bids for the $19.9 million remodel of the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held August 12th, and bids are due September 18th. Sacramento County Opens Bidding for $19.9M Youth Behavioral Health Facility Remodel
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• Los Angeles County Public Works is seeking CMAR proposals for $27 million in renovations to the Pitchess Detention Center, with bids due September 4th. Email Matt Jerge at [email protected] for more information. Los Angeles County Public Works Project Summary
• Volusia County, Florida has selected the team of Wharton Smith and JL2 Architecture for a new $42 million administrative building for the Sheriff's Department. Volusia County Sheriff’s Department

And wrapping it up with events for the week:

• The 79th Correctional Education Association International Conference and Training runs August 10th through the 13th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Correctional Education Association 79th Conference & Training August 10-13 in Pittsburg, PA

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of August 4th.

We'll start with project updates:

• In Lubbock, Texas, construction is underway on a new 50-bed maximum security psychiatric hospital, funded by a $121 million allocation from the Texas legislature and scheduled for completion in 2027.
• Hausmann Construction, the firm selected to build Nebraska's new state prison, is suing Woodbury County, Iowa, over $5.7 million in unpaid work on the Sioux City jail.
• After a $5.8 million budget shortfall, Oklahoma County is now considering a phased approach to its jail construction, focusing first on a new intake center.
• In California, correctional leaders are preparing a nearly $20 million remodel of the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center in Sacramento to add a behavioral health and crisis stabilization unit. The project is currently seeking construction bids.

Moving over to legislation and funding:

• Geary County, Kansas, is considering a detention feasibility study to assess long-term jail needs, following strong revenue reports.
• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice projects 18,000 new air-conditioned beds as a result of recent state funding, the first step in a plan to cool all units by 2032.
• In Connecticut, the state is replacing strip searches with body scanners in some prisons as part of a pilot program.

In hiring and people announcements:

• NaphCare has appointed longtime CFO Connie Young as its new President.
• Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has appointed Michael Tessean as the new director of the Oregon Youth Authority, effective August 18th.
• Pennsylvania DOC Secretary Laurel Harry was recently appointed the new treasurer for the Correctional Leaders Association, effective August 15th.

Moving over to construction reports:

• In Weld County, Colorado, commissioners have approved the site for a new $490 million judicial and administrative complex, set for completion in 2029.
• In Mount Gilead, Ohio, bids are now open for Morrow County's $5.8 million correctional facility and Sheriff's office expansion, with sealed bids due September 3rd.
• The Jackson County Sheriff's Office in Marianna, Florida, is soliciting CMAR proposals for its new $19 million Sheriff's Office facility, with proposals due August 27th.

In finishing off with events for the week:

• The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) will host its 49th annual training conference in Hollywood, Florida, from August 8th through the 12th.
• The National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO) will host JailCon25 Central from August 12th to the 14th in Kansas.
• The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) will host its virtual Correctional Mental Health Care Conference on August 6th and 7th.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of July 28th.

We'll start with project updates:

• In North Carolina, Henderson County's jail and courthouse expansion now exceeds $173 million, which is $15 million over the original estimate. The jail's $80.6 million guaranteed price must be approved by August 4th.
• In Washington, the Whatcom County Justice Center could now cost up to $174 million, rising from the original $150 million estimate. Officials are still deciding on a bed count, with a design-builder announcement expected in August.
• In Illinois, Warren County's $23 million jail and sheriff's office project is back in motion. The 60-bed facility, funded by a sales tax referendum, is expected to begin construction in spring 2026.

Moving over to legislation and funding:

• California's Department of Healthcare Services has launched the final round of its Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program, making over $800 million in Prop 1 bond funding available. Full applications are due October 28, 2025.
• Medicaid reentry reform is gaining bipartisan traction, but advocates warn that looming federal cuts and work requirements could jeopardize progress.
• Montana's Flathead County is asking voters to approve a $105 million bond on November 4th to build a new jail to address severe overcrowding and outdated systems.

Moving over to people announcements:

• After four years serving as Commissioner of Corrections for the state of Vermont, Nick Deml will step down from his role on August 15th. Former Burlington Police Chief John Murad will serve as interim commissioner.
• Congratulations to Thomas Pilson, who has joined GFT after 29 years in justice facility operations and security design.
• Congratulations to Felice Upton on the launch of Just Us Felice Upton Consulting, a new venture focused on human-centered solutions in juvenile justice.
• Falcon Technologies has welcomed Dr. Angela Phillips as Senior Product Manager to lead the development of its predictive framework tools for corrections.

Moving over to construction reports:

• In Meeker, Colorado, the town is requesting bids for a new security camera system, with proposals due August 21st.
• Mesa County, Colorado is soliciting CMAR services for the $90 million Justice Center North addition. Proposals are due August 13th.
• In Suwanee, Georgia, CMAR proposals are open for its new $15.5 million police headquarters, with submissions due August 18th.
• In Florida, Miami-Dade County is accepting proposals for architectural services for its planned county jail site, with final proposals due August 27th.

And in events for the week:

• In New York, New York City's Department of Design and Construction will host its first community design workshop for the Manhattan Borough-based jail facility on July 31st from 6 to 8 p.m.

And finishing it off this week with product announcements and innovations:

• Willo Products has introduced the Wedge Slim, a new locking system tailored for new jail and prison builds, which will be on display at ACA's Congress of Corrections in August.
• Starting August 1st, all phone calls from New York state prisons, whether via tablet or traditional phone, will be free.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at www.correctionalnews.com/podcast

 Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of July 21st.

We'll kick it off with project updates:

• In Stark County, Ohio, commissioners approved a $75.7 million total project cost for the county's jail renovation. K2M Architects is leading the design, with Granger-Welty as the CMAR. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for August 15th.
• After a decade of planning, Lucas County, Ohio, has abandoned its effort to build a new $300 million jail, now opting for renovations to the existing facility due to financial concerns. HDR and Kleinfelder will continue to evaluate the updates.
• Cochise County, Arizona, has selected a site in Bisbee for its proposed new jail. The project remains on hold pending the outcome of a November 4th tax vote.
• The new 3,000-bed Franklin County prison in Arkansas is facing a potential roadblock over water supply. A report shows Fort Smith's water system lacks the capacity to meet the prison's 560,000-gallon daily demand without major upgrades. The Arkansas DOC and partner Vanner will meet with city officials on July 29th.
• In Tennessee, Sullivan County is addressing severe overcrowding with a new $106 million facility currently under construction. The new jail will house up to 1,100 inmates and include expanded medical and mental health services.
• Charlottesville, Virginia, City Council has approved $49 million in bond financing to renovate the Charlottesville Regional Jail. Construction is expected to begin on September 15, 2025.

Now moving over to legislation and funding news:

• In Texas, Montgomery County officials are exploring a $400 million new jail to address chronic overcrowding. One proposal includes a 2,600-bed facility with 1,400 contract beds that could generate up to $23 million annually to offset costs.
• The Bureau of Prisons has formed a specialized First Step Act Task Force to address delays in home confinement processing. Launched by Director William K. Marshall III, the team will begin meeting this month.

Moving over to hiring and people announcements:

• HDR has named Ryan Rolphs as Justice Principal in its Chicago architecture studio.
• Congratulations to Dr. Lerome Myrick, Executive Director of Juvenile Justice for Rhode Island, who is the recipient of the 52nd annual National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABJ) Medgar Evers Award.

Next up, we'll cover construction reports:

• El Paso County has issued a Construction Manager at Risk request for a new $8.3 million medical examiner's office. Proposals are due September 11th, with a pre-proposal conference on August 13th.
• In Midland County, Texas, CMAR proposals are being requested for a new $24 million juvenile justice center. Submissions are due July 30th, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026.

Finishing it off with events and reminders:

• Many states, including Michigan and Virginia, have officially declared July 20th-26th as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week.
• The International Corrections and Prison Association (ICPA) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Correctional Excellence Awards. Nominations must be submitted by August 15th.
• Correctional News is accepting nominations for two awards: the 30 Over 30 Years Experience Award and the Next Generation Trailblazers Award. Submissions for both are open through August 31st.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of July 14th.

For our project updates:

• In Wayne County, North Carolina, construction firm T.A. Loving Company has completed the new 109,500-square-foot Wayne County Replacement Jail. The Moseley-designed facility adds 220 beds and modernizes operations.
• In Omaha, Nebraska, Douglas County Corrections has placed the final beam on its new 35,000-square-foot mental health facility. The 81-bed, therapy-focused center is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
• In Nelson County, Virginia, officials are moving forward with a scaled-back jail expansion. The revised plan will double the facility's size to 32,000 square feet and add 65 beds.
• In Butler, Alabama, Choctaw County officially broke ground on a new jail to replace its previous structure. The project will take an estimated 15 months to complete.
• In Sebring, Florida, construction has begun on a $17 million expansion of the Highlands County Jail. The project, built by Ajax Building Company, will add a 96-bed women's housing unit, with completion expected by summer 2026.
• In Charlottesville, Virginia, the $51 million Regional Jail renovation is officially moving forward. The project will modernize infrastructure, add mental health beds, and expand office space over the next 2.5 years.

In company news:

• Out of Baldwin, Georgia, Vital-Space has officially opened its new office building on the Steel Cell campus. CEO Mike Smith stated the vision is to "positively impact 5,000 lives over the next five years."

In legislation and funding news:

• Out of Wisconsin, the Department of Corrections is holding a public hearing on implementing Act 196, a law aimed at reducing incarceration by offering community-based sanctions for supervision violations.
• In Pearl River County, Mississippi, county supervisors are considering technology upgrades from Smart Communications, including a secure tablet system with facial recognition and digital mail for inmates.
• In Bloomington, Indiana, a new $225 million criminal justice complex may face a two-year delay unless state lawmakers pass a bill allowing bond sales, which are currently restricted by Senate Bill 1.
• In Tennessee, Representative Ron Gant has helped secure $185 million to replace the John S. Wilder Youth Development Center with two new trauma-informed facilities, with construction slated for 2027.

In People News:

• Out of Houston, Texas, the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) has named Chief Development Officer Chris Volka as acting CEO.
• In Arizona, Stacey Faulkner has been named Chief of Workforce Development and CEO of Arizona Correctional Industries (ACI).
• In Chicago, congratulations to Malicia Vitovich on her promotion to Vice President of New Business Development at Norix Furniture.
• In Montgomery, Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Hal Nash, Chief Corrections Deputy of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, as Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Moving over to construction reports:

• In Ewing, New Jersey, bids are being accepted for the new Juvenile Justice Secure Facility. Valued at over $54 million, bids are due September 30, 2025, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting on August 12th.
• In Wichita, Kansas, Sedgwick County is seeking A&E design proposals to replace the building automation system at its adult detention facility, a $54 million project. Proposals are due July 22nd.
• In Caldwell, Idaho, Canyon County is requesting qualifications from CMGC firms for the $10 million Pond Lane Detention Facility. Qualifications are due August 4th.
• In North Dakota, the legislature has approved over $37 million to add as many as 300 additional beds to its prison system, including building temporary shelters and a new re-entry facility.
• Looking ahead in Green County, Wisconsin, the board has approved an $86.1 million budget for a new jail and law enforcement center. Bidding is set for early 2026.

Wrapping it up with event reminders:

• Registration is open for ICPA's 27th annual conference in Istanbul, Turkey, from October 26th-31st. Early bird rates are available through August 15th.
• NCCHC's Correctional Mental Health Conference takes place in San Francisco this week from July 19th-21st.
• NOBLE's annual training conference is scheduled for August 8th-12th in Hollywood, Florida.
• A big event lineup is happening in Denver this summer, including the CLA conference (Aug 21-23), ACA (Aug 21-26), and the CJJA summer meeting (Aug 22-24).

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.

Welcome to Weekly Connections! Here is your summary of key updates from the justice industry for the week of July 7th.

• In Redding, California, the Shasta County Jail has temporarily closed one floor for a major construction project to upgrade cameras, fire alarms, and cell intercom systems. Sheriff Michael Johnson emphasized the focus on safety and a swift reopening.
• The Walton County Jail in Monroe, Georgia, celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its new 216,000-square-foot facility. The $140 million project, 18 years in the making, includes an 870-cell jail with a 58-bed medical wing, an administrative building, and more.
• In a move to reduce juvenile justice involvement, the Texas Legislature has approved $1.2 million for Williamson County to launch a multi-systematic therapy program for at-risk youth.

Moving on to legislation and funding:

• The Oklahoma County Detention Center is facing a $5.8 million shortfall and could run out of funds by August 1st, potentially impacting payroll and operations. The interim CEO will present a case for increased funding on July 8th.
• In California, Santa Clara County officials are weighing options for a new jail, as aging facilities fall short of federal standards. Leaders are exploring alternatives, including facility upgrades and a revised zero-bail policy, amid divided community feedback.
• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) secured over $1.8 billion in new funding in what Executive Director Bryan Collier called the "most successful" legislative session in agency history. This will fund major staff pay raises, expanded services, and 18,000 additional air-conditioned beds.
• A New York state judge has blocked the Hochul administration from suspending the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement. The ruling follows a lawsuit alleging incarcerated individuals were unlawfully isolated during a corrections officer strike.
• The Michigan Department of Corrections reported a record-low recidivism rate, with only two in ten parolees returning to prison within three years. Officials credit expanded support services, job training, and education programs.
• In Washington D.C., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal prison officials cannot be sued for alleged excessive force under a Bivens claim, reinforcing limits on inmate lawsuits.

In hiring and people announcements:

• The CPCA Board of Directors has announced Sarah Edmons as the new Executive Director of the California Police Chiefs' Association.
• Falcon Technologies has welcomed Angela Phillips as its new Senior Product Manager. She will lead the strategy and development of the Predictive Framework Tools series.
• TDCJ has named Crystal McCoy as the new Region 1 Director for the Parole Division, bringing years of experience to the role.

For our construction reports:

• Washington's Clark County Council has approved reallocating $4.1 million to cover a budget shortfall in its jail work center expansion. The project, now valued at $23.7 million, will add 64 beds and expanded support services.
• In Idaho, Canyon County is soliciting qualifications from CMGC firms for a new 192-bed, 28,000-square-foot detention facility with an estimated budget of $10 million.
• Three final firms—Skanska, Hill International, and Turner & Townsend Heery—have presented their qualifications to manage the construction of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania's new $400 million prison.

Finally, in events:

• The Correctional Leaders Association (CLA) Western Region meeting is kicking off in Napa, California, and runs from July 7th to July 10th.
• Looking ahead, NCCHC is offering a first look at the 2026 Standards for Mental Health and Health Services in San Francisco on July 19th.
• The American Jail Association will host its Objective Jail Classification workshop from July 22nd to 24th in Elkton, Maryland.

For more details or to access the links mentioned, check out our podcast show notes at correctionalnews.com/podcast.