Rockwall County, TX (January 9, 2026) – The Sheriff’s Office is currently undergoing a significant remodeling project that encompasses an area of 20,874 square feet. Notably, over 9,000 square feet of the former jail space has been unused since the opening of the Rockwall County Detention Center in 2022. Sheriff Terry Garrett states that “This project will allow for expansion and improvements within our current building footprint, making it a more cost-effective option compared to constructing a new building.”
The renovation work is being executed in three phases, which allows personnel to maintain their daily operations throughout the process.
At present, the project is under budget but behind schedule due to challenges encountered during the demolition of the former jail, which has impacted the timeline. Commissioner John Stacy anticipates that Phase 1 will be completed by February and believes that efficiencies can be gained by commencing Phase 2 before the first phase concludes.
Phase 1 of the project focuses on enhancing several key areas, including the expansion of evidence storage capacity, the creation of a new workout area complete with locker rooms, increased administrative capacity, and dedicated space for the Office of Emergency Management. The maintenance and reprogramming of the building’s generator to ensure it serves the entire facility during emergencies are also being addressed.
During Phase 1, the procurement of necessary goods and services for the entire project continues. This involves acquiring raw materials, equipment, skilled labor, and subcontractor services, which are vital for meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and ensuring high-quality results.
In Phase 2, dispatch services will temporarily relocate to a temporary space while work progresses on new office accommodations for detectives, interview rooms, and other administrative offices. Emergency services should remain unaffected as the County is working closely with North Central Texas 9-1-1 to ensure seamless service during the transition.
Phase 3 will mark the transition of dispatch operations to a newly established operations center. Additionally, the project involves technological upgrades, including the relocation of servers and other necessary equipment to a centralized location, which will create more usable space and storage within the building.
Funding for the remodel is sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and remaining Jail Bond funds, which enables the county to avoid additional financing, bonds, or tax increases.
Commissioner John Stacy emphasized the importance of this project by stating, “The growth of this county is evident all around us. It is essential to have the public safety infrastructure in place.”
Press release submitted by Jim Barto, Rockwall County, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Photos submitted courtesy of Rockwall County.
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