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Planning for the Boone County Justice Center began in 2015 to address projected population growth and evolving needs.
Spearheaded by former Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen who became Executive Project Manager after his last term, the project has been managed in collaboration with current commissioners Donnie Lawson, Jeff Wolfe, and Tim Beyer.
The $59.1 million Build-Operate-Transfer initiative is designed to consolidate legal, medical, and mental health services while prioritizing rehabilitation over incarceration.
Built For The Present And Future
The facility features modular jail cells, an expanded infirmary with hospital-grade beds, and spaces dedicated to mental health, evidence processing, and officer wellness.
New additions include a 3,845-square-foot kitchen [increased from 1,955 square feet in the former kitchen], advanced conference and training rooms, a morgue for the county coroner, and a secure garage for investigations.
Enhanced security measures include metal detectors, full-body scanners, and masonry exteriors.
The center’s design anticipates Boone County’s rapid growth. It is projected to reach 140,000-plus residents by 2034, with further increases likely due to major developments like the Eli Lilly project and the LEAP District.
Wolfe emphasized, “This is purpose-built for our department’s current and future needs.”
Construction is over 80% complete, on schedule, and under budget, with accrued interest funding additional upgrades like a fueling station, new fiber connections, and dispatch space.
A focus on efficiency and scalability ensures the center meets increasing demands while fostering community trust in the justice system.
Matthew Mason, Project Executive, Owner’s Representation at Veridus Group Inc. shared, “The project remains within budget and in fact has been able to add a few scope items due to the fact that the original bond has earned interest.
The project has been able to add a $2M fueling station for use by all Boone County vehicles. There are also added scope items, to name a few:
- New fiber connection from the courthouse to the BCJC
- Replace existing cameras in the existing facility
- Added space for dispatch
- Added fire suppression standpipes in existing facility
With all of that, and pending future decisions from Commissioners, the project is still tracking to be able to return $1.7+M due to accrued interests.”
Enhanced Design and Features of the Boone County Justice Center
The Boone County Justice Center blends cutting-edge infrastructure with thoughtful design to ensure safety, efficiency, and rehabilitation.
Its advanced layout includes several padded and isolation cells, larger dayrooms for multiple occupants, and holding areas designed to accommodate groups for extended periods.
With electronic controls for toilets and a centralized door management system, staff can remotely control cell functions without physical presence, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Currently, portions of the facility are operational as phased areas transition to completion.
A forthcoming phase will see significant structural updates, including the removal of an existing wall to make way for a new booking area.
This area will feature video arraignment rooms, expanded property storage, jail-issued equipment storage, and additional cells to address the county’s increasing inmate population.
The facility incorporates secure area wells with strategically placed windows, ensuring occupants receive natural light to meet daylight requirements.
Once housed in a storage closet converted into an exam space, the Infirmary now stands as a fully equipped medical center.
It includes temporary holding cells, exam rooms, a dentist’s area, a doctor and nurse station, and a secure pharmacy. UV sanitation lighting in these areas, as well as in the kitchen, ensures high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Air quality is meticulously managed with 11 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) throughout the center.
“This facility houses 11 RTU’s [Remote terminal units] that are throughout the facility,” Hagerman Senior Project Manager Joel Fleming said.
“The infirmary has a dedicated unit with some unique features that include UV sanitation and humidification that allow more control of the environment in that specific area.
A lot of thought went into these RTU’s and how they are handled. Additionally, the holding cells and kitchen have the same type of [sanitation] treatments.”
Fleming added, “This Center has been built with efficiency knowing that we’re going to see a significant growth in population in Boone County.”
The thoughtful blend of secure infrastructure and modern design underscores the Boone County Justice Center’s mission to balance public safety with rehabilitation, creating a facility tailored to meet the needs of a growing and evolving community.
The Boone County Justice Center introduces significant improvements and efficiencies for the county coroner with the addition of a fully equipped, professional morgue facility.
This modern space includes administrative offices, a pull-in garage for discreet and secure transfers, and thoughtfully designed areas that prioritize both functionality and compassion.
At the entrance, there is a private interview room equipped with a privacy screen and comfortable seating, ensuring a space for sensitive conversations in a calm and dignified setting.
This “soft room” allows grieving families to process their loss in a quiet, supportive environment while offering a professional atmosphere for necessary discussions.
The facility underscores the importance of maintaining dignity for both the deceased and their families. The coroner now has access to a well-organized, dedicated space that facilitates his work while respecting the sensitive nature of his duties.
These enhancements reflect the Justice Center’s commitment to providing efficient services while upholding the highest standards of care and respect for the community it serves.
Boone County Coroner Justin Sparks shared his thoughts on the new morgue facility.
“For the first time, we will have a dedicated space to facilitate viewings of loved ones in a comforting and controlled environment,” Sparks stated.
“We’ve never had this capability before, and I am incredibly grateful to offer this to families. When it’s time to conduct a forensic exam in the new facility, our staff will enter the locker room and change into appropriate personal protective equipment.
From there, they can directly access the state-of-the-art autopsy suite. This room has been designed with function in mind, and we’ve collaborated closely with our forensic pathology team to ensure the layout is optimized.”
Sparks added, “I think many people would be surprised by how often our cases intersect with law enforcement. Capturing scientific evidence is crucial for our law enforcement partners and the prosecutor’s office.
To enhance this, we’ve integrated high-resolution evidence cameras into the surgical lights, which feed directly to a secure server. This facility is going to elevate our work on every case. This new facility represents a significant gain for our community.”