Arapahoe County has completed a major expansion and renovation of its Detention Center, delivering critical upgrades to medical and behavioral health spaces as part of its broader commitment to Investing in Arapahoe. Originally built in 1986 to house a maximum of 386 people, the facility now serves a much larger population and currently averages 850-950 inmates per day, placing strain on medical, behavioral health, and operational systems. The $46.4 million project modernizes those critical areas while improving safety, efficiency, and care for both staff and inmates.

“This project is a clear example of what it means to invest in Arapahoe,” said Board of County Commissioners Chair Leslie Sum­mey. “We couldn’t replace the facility entirely, so we took a thoughtful, creative approach to make the most of what we have and make it more effective.”

The expansion adds approximately 12,000 square feet of new medical space and significantly increases medical and behavioral health capacity, allowing staff to better support individuals with complex health needs.

New features include improved medical exam rooms with direct access to the ambulance bay, enhanced observation areas, and safety-focused design elements such as self-harm-resistant fixtures and advanced monitoring systems. The space was also designed to support health and dignity, with natural light incorporated throughout, ADA-compliant cells and bathrooms, and in-cell features such as controllable lighting and power outlets to support medical equipment like CPAP machines.

The project also builds on a recently com­pleted 22,000-square-foot kitchen and laundry facility, which replaced systems originally designed for a much smaller pop­ulation. Together, these improvements support more efficient operations and better day-to-day conditions for both staff and those in the County’s care.

Sheriff Tyler Brown said the investment reflects a balanced approach to public safety, accountability, and care.

“Our goal is compassionate accountability,” Brown said. “We are responsible for maintaining safety and order, but we also recognize that many people in our care have medical and behavioral health needs. This expansion allows us to provide a higher level of service while helping individuals address the issues that brought them here.”

Approximately 90 percent of individuals in custody have a medical or mental health condition, and only 15 percent are actively participating in treatment programs. The expanded space will allow staff to better monitor, treat, and support those individuals in a safer, more appropriate environment.

The improvements are also expected to enhance safety and efficiency for deputies and staff working in the facility.

“This is a purpose-built space designed for the realities we face today,” Brown said. “It helps our team do their jobs more effectively and ensures they can go home safely at the end of each day.”

Construction began in 2023 and was completed in phases to keep the facility fully operational. The project was funded in part through one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act resources.

County officials emphasized that investing in essential, behind-the-scenes infrastructure like the detention center is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy community.

“It says to the folks who find themselves here, ‘you are still OK,’” Summey said. “Arapahoe County cares for its residents. We care for everybody.”

“Most residents will never see this facility, but they rely on it every day,” she added. “This is what Investing in Arapahoe looks like — making smart, forward-looking investments that strengthen public safety, support our workforce, and improve outcomes for our entire community.”