History
The Cobb County Detention Center is an important facility in the local and regional criminal justice system. Its role in the processing and rehabilitation of inmates has evolved over time, and its impact on the community has been both positive and controversial. Here is a look at the history of the facility and its evolution over time.
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Early History of the Cobb County Detention Center
The Cobb County Detention Center was built in 1981 and officially opened in 1982. The facility was initially designed to house 300 inmates and was intended to be a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The original purpose of the center was to house individuals who had been arrested for a variety of crimes, including drug offenses, property crimes, and violent crimes.
The early years of the Cobb County Detention Center were marked by several significant events and incidents. In 1983, two inmates escaped from the facility by digging a hole in the roof. The escape sparked a massive manhunt, and both inmates were eventually apprehended. In 1985, the facility experienced its first major riot, with several inmates taking over a section of the jail and causing significant damage. The riot was eventually brought under control, but it highlighted the need for improved security measures at the facility.
Despite these challenges, the Cobb County Detention Center continued to operate and serve the needs of the community. In 1987, the facility underwent its first expansion, increasing its capacity to 600 inmates. The expansion included the construction of new housing units and administrative offices and the installation of new security features.
Changes Over Time
One of the most significant changes occurred in 1995 when the state of Georgia passed new sentencing laws. These laws required that all individuals convicted of certain crimes serve a minimum sentence, regardless of their individual circumstances or the discretion of the judge. As a result, the population of the Cobb County Detention Center increased dramatically, putting a strain on the facility's resources and infrastructure.
To address these challenges, the Cobb County government launched a series of initiatives to improve the facility and its operations. In 1998, the county began construction of a new medical unit that would provide better healthcare services to inmates. The medical unit was completed in 2000 and included a new pharmacy, dental clinic, and medical records system.
In 2004, the Cobb County Detention Center underwent another major expansion, increasing its capacity to 1,230 inmates. The expansion included the construction of new housing units, recreation areas, and administrative offices. The new facility was designed to be more efficient and secure, with improved ventilation, lighting, and communication systems.
Despite these improvements, the Cobb County Detention Center faced new challenges in the following years. In 2010, the facility faced allegations of mistreatment and neglect of inmates, leading to a federal investigation. The investigation found that the facility had violated the rights of inmates by subjecting them to excessive force, inadequate medical care, and unsanitary conditions. As a result, the Cobb County government agreed to implement a series of reforms to improve the facility's conditions.
In recent years, the Cobb County Detention Center has continued to adapt to new challenges and changing conditions in the criminal justice system. In 2018, the facility launched a new program aimed at reducing recidivism among inmates. The program, called "Next Steps," provides inmates with access to education, vocational training, and support services to help them transition back into the community after their release.
Modern Facility
Today, the Cobb County Detention Center is a modern facility that serves as the primary detention center for individuals who have been arrested in Cobb County or who are being held for court appearances. The facility is staffed by highly trained professionals committed to providing safe and secure housing for inmates.
In addition to providing basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, the Cobb County Detention Center offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. These programs include educational classes, substance abuse counseling, and vocational training.
The Role of the Cobb County Detention Center in the Local and Regional Criminal Justice System
The Cobb County Detention Center plays a crucial role in the local and regional criminal justice system. In addition to housing inmates, the facility also provides mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
The facility also partners with local law enforcement agencies and other detention centers to ensure inmates' efficient processing and rehabilitation. For example, the facility partners with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office to provide mental health services to inmates released from the facility.