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Phase I of expansion complete at Charles B. Webster Detention CenterSep 27, 2011 (The Augusta Chronicle - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Phase I of the expansion at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center is ready for business, and inmate transfers should begin in the coming months, city and sheriff's officials said at a Tuesday dedication ceremony. Former Richmond County Sheriff Charles Webster, for whom the facility is named, said he was happy with the project and took joy in riding by and looking at it. The addition of 484 beds in two male pods, an expanded kitchen and laundry area, a medical area and a video visitation center are some of the new features at the end of Phase I. The facility also has a double fence surrounding the grounds. "The fencing was something I really pushed for because of concerns from neighbors about an inmate getting out," Sheriff Ronnie Strength said. The video visitation center will provide more safety and eliminate concerns of a security breach. With the new visitation procedure, someone can visit with an inmate electronically by watching them on a large screen via camera without the prisoner having to be escorted to a different area. "They will have a better view and better hearing electronically," Capt. Chester Huffman said. The design of the buildings will also allow for more energy conservation. "It's probably unlike any facility you're going to see in the Southeast, particularly Georgia, design architect Gregory Washington said. The plans were designed to present the building to the community as less intimidating, Washington said. Phase II has already begun but a completion date is not finalized. At the completion of the second phase, which will include an inmate processing center, all inmates at the Richmond County Jail will be transferred to the facility on Phinizy Road. Until the completion of Phase II, inmates will have to be processed at the Walton Way facility and then be transported to the detention center. ___ (c)2011 The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.) Visit The Augusta Chronicle (Augusta, Ga.) at chronicle.augusta.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |