The construction for the new law enforcement center is on track to finish in January as of now. 

Guthrie County Chief Deputy Jeremy Bennet says despite building materials being delayed due to COVID-19, the project continues to make progress. 

“They have the first floor going and working on the second floor, I think they are right on track from what they initially said.”

The new facility would be an upgrade of the current jail facility, increasing the number of cells from 10 to 32 beds and will add a Sally Port Door. Bennet says the added space will allow them to separate criminals with different threat levels. 

“It is just going to have more accommodations, not good ones for (inmates) but for the officers and more safety features for the jailers and the deputies.” 

Due to being at constant capacity, Bennet adds they are having to take inmates to other counties and there has been a recent spike in crime, leading to more criminals needing to be booked into jail.