Here's what $20 million to make Nash County jail safer looks like

The Nash County Detention Center is just weeks away from moving inmates into a newly renovated section of the jail.

The renovations have been in the works since 2021. They were begun after a series of escapes and a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services report that found the jail unsafe.

The outdated facilities also play a role in staff shortages.

"When I ask them why they are leaving, they say safety," said Maj. Miste Stickland of the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.

"They don’t feel comfortable."

Officer Larry Hedgepeth is a big proponent of safety improvements; he was assaulted by an inmate earlier this year.

“It was August 5th. I will never forget the date. I got assaulted by an inmate that was in here for murder,” he said.

Hedgepeth said the current dorm-style cells make it hard to control the inmates and many employees feel unsafe.

"It’s unsafe. When you walk through those doors … you don’t know if you’re coming out,” Hedgepeth said.

The new facility is a $15 million investment by Nash County. An additional $5 million was allocated in this year’s state budget for continued improvements.

State Representative Allen Chesser saw the need and worked to secure the funding.

“I think we are in a position where we can begin being proactive and plan for the future, so we don’t end up in a situation like this again,” Chesser (R-Nash) said.

The improvements include a barbed-wire perimeter, lock-down cells and surveillance technology. The sheriff’s department said the updates are overdue, and there is still more work to be done here.

Chesser said, "“[I plan to] expand on the relationship that we have with the sheriff’s department and the sheriff, maintaining that relationship and that constant state of contact so that I am aware of what they need,” Rep. Chesser said.

The hope is to have inmates moved into the renovated portion of the jail before the end of the year.

"I hope this is our Christmas present — to get in this jail," Hedgepeth said. "It is just safer. That is the main word. It’s just safe."