Codington County Jail

A New Hub For Public Safety

Jonathan Kennedy, P.E.

Following voter approval in 2024, Codington County is moving forward with one of its most significant public safety investments in decades. The new detention center and Sheriff’s Office campus in Watertown will provide 108 beds, modernized operations, and facilities better equipped to meet the County’s needs. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the nearly 50,000 square foot campus will multiple services together in a purpose-built facility.

The project includes a 37,445 square foot detention center and a 12,296 square foot Sheriff’s Office, creating a centralized campus for detention, law enforcement, and support services. In addition to housing units for male, female, and juvenile populations, the facility incorporates booking and intake, medical services, central control, food service, laundry, administrative offices, and staff support spaces designed to improve operational efficiency and safety.

Designing Around Operations

Facilities like the Codington County Jail are driven by operational requirements. Each area of the building has unique needs that directly influence the design of the MEP systems. Because the facility will operate continuously, reliability and maintainability were key design considerations from the outset.

At the heart of the mechanical design is a central boiler and chiller system serving multiple air handling units. Organized around operational zones, dedicated air handling units serve the housing pods, intake and booking areas, kitchen, and unit control spaces, allowing ventilation and temperature control to be tailored to each function.

A unique aspect of the design is the use of vertically mounted VAV terminal units located near the penthouse air handling equipment serving the detention areas. This configuration simplifies maintenance access while providing flexibility to respond to varying occupancy and operational conditions. Within the Sheriff’s Office, a more traditional VAV distribution system provides room-by-room comfort control for offices and support spaces while promoting energy efficiency.

The plumbing systems are designed to support every aspect of the facility’s daily operations, from detention housing and medical services to food preparation, laundry, and administrative functions. Domestic water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and natural gas systems are coordinated throughout the campus, with water service entering through a central mechanical room where metering and distribution systems can be efficiently monitored and maintained. The result is a durable, maintainable infrastructure capable of supporting the facility’s around-the-clock operation.

Powering Security and Communications

The electrical and technology infrastructure serves as the backbone of facility operations. A complete LED lighting system is being provided throughout the campus, with lighting levels tailored to housing units, staff workspaces, medical areas, circulation zones, and exterior spaces. Automatic controls and selective dimming capabilities provide operational flexibility while supporting energy efficiency.

The project also includes raceway systems for fiber and copper communications networks, providing the infrastructure for telecommunication and data distribution. Audio/visual, low-voltage, security, and communications systems are coordinated throughout the facility, while site lighting enhances visibility, supports operations, and contributes to overall campus security.

While the new facility expands detention capacity, the project is ultimately about creating a safer and more effective public safety environment for the people who use it every day. Through carefully coordinated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, the new campus is designed to support reliable operations, enhance staff safety, and adapt to future needs. More than a new jail, it represents a long-term investment in the infrastructure that helps Codington County serve and protect its community.