COLUMBUS, OH — Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Pickaway County will receive $4.49 million in state funding to enhance safety and security at its jail as part of a $50 million investment in local jail construction and renovation projects across Ohio.
The funding comes from the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, launched in 2021 by Governor DeWine in collaboration with the Ohio General Assembly. The program aims to assist local communities in upgrading outdated or deteriorating jail facilities.
The Pickaway County Jail, originally built in 1992, will use its grant to replace windows and implement security enhancements that improve the safe operation of the facility.
“All of the doors and windows in the facility will be replaced, which is a huge help for us,” said Sheriff Hafey. “The manufacturer of the original doors went out of business shortly after the jail opened, and over the years, this has become an increasingly costly issue. Not only has it been difficult to source parts, but we’ve sometimes had to fabricate them ourselves. It’s even impacted our inspection results.
I want to sincerely thank our grant writer, Audrea Welch, who dedicated hours to researching, compiling data, and ensuring our submission was accurate and complete. I also want to recognize Captain Lane, who oversees the jail and has done an outstanding job managing it.”
“This funding will not only support safer environments for those living and working in our local jails, but it will also help prepare inmates for release by creating improved spaces for workforce development, educational opportunities, and other programming,” said Governor DeWine.
In total, 19 counties are receiving grant funding:
- 7 counties will undertake new construction, major renovations, or expansions,
- 11 counties, including Ross County, will complete smaller-scale structural upgrades and security projects,
- 1 county will conduct a feasibility study for future improvements.
Ross County will receive $400,397 to implement security upgrades at its jail, which was built in 1988.
“This funding will provide more safety and security in facilities and more space for programming, which will improve conditions for both staff and incarcerated people,” said Annette Chambers-Smith, Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Today’s announcement brings the total investment through this initiative to more than $228 million, benefiting 50 jails across over 50 Ohio counties.
The program is administered through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Bureau of Adult Detention and funded by the state’s current capital budget.
