It’s the first major security upgrade in three decades at the George W Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton, a $28 million renovation package OK’d by Delaware County Council.
The council recently approved a renovations contract with Alabama-based Cornerstone Detention Products, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.
It’s a “big ticket” item because there’s been no major security upgrade at the prison in 30 years, said County Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaeffer.
Councilman Kevin Madden, chairman of the Jail Oversight Board, agreed.
“This is a facility that was not invested in. Truly not invested in,” he said.
The upgrades should address the root causes of safety challenges the county has at the prison.
The facility will receive about 750 new digital cameras, replacing outdated analog systems.
There will be upgrades to the Card Access Control System, security intercom and paging system, LED lighting upgrades, retrofits of shower units, perimeter security enhancements, and lock replacements on cell doors, said Warden Laura Williams.
The county has working for two-and-a-half years with design and engineering firms on the prison improvement plans.
It hopes to hire up to 50 percent of Delaware County residents to install the upgrades.
Find out more about renovations at the George W Hill Correctional facility in the Daily Times.
