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KENANSVILLE — With the ceremonial shoveling of dirt by county officials, construction is officially underway on Duplin County’s new detention center. The much-needed center will replace the county’s current overcrowded and outdated jail.
At the start of the groundbreaking ceremony, County Manager Bryan Miller called the new detention center “a new and essential addition to our community.”
The new detention center will allow Duplin County to house inmates not only from this county, but will have space for other counties’ inmates as well. Currently, Sheriff Stratton Stokes said, 38 inmates are being housed outside the county, which is not ideal.
“It’s going to be very important for us to be able to keep inmates here,” the sheriff said. “Plus, … we can actually house inmates from out of county so that will be a benefit to taxpayers where we can save money and actually make a profit so we can offset the cost of running this facility.”
The new detention center will be more than just a building that houses inmates, Miller said. “It’s a symbol of progress, safety and responsible government,” he said. “It underscores our commitment to upholding justice, and ensuring that our law enforcement has the resources necessary to maintain order and security.”
Miller pointed out that the construction and operation of the new facility will create jobs, and will also boost the local economy. “The influx of construction workers, suppliers and future employees will stimulate business and local merchants, restaurants and service providers, further invigorating our community’s economic health,” Miller said. “This new detention center is designed with efficiency and cost-effectiveness in mind. It will eliminate the overcrowding in our current facilities, thereby reducing the strain on our law enforcement and judicial systems.”
Perhaps most importantly, the new detention center will not cost Duplin County taxpayers a dime. “This is not going to cost our taxpayers any money,” Stokes said. “We’re thankful to the legislators for getting that money for us.”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon had made a ceremonial check presentation of $80,206,000 to the Duplin County Board of Commissioners in February, which represented the cumulative total of the funding secured for Duplin County over the last two General Assembly budgets.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Dixon said, “This and other journeys actually began about 14 years ago when there was a political change that took place in Duplin County. Because of the political change that took place 14 years ago, in the last three budget cycles, we in Duplin County have been the beneficiaries of approximately $88 million from other North Carolina citizens, for which we should be grateful.”
Miller and Stokes thanked the state legislators who helped the funding become available, as well as other community leaders, law enforcement and the county’s taxpayers.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a significant milestone,” Miller said. “It marks the beginning of a new era for our community, one that prioritizes safety, economic growth and the efficient use of public resources. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on our community for years to come.”
County Commissioner Wayne Branch also thanked Rep. Dixon, as well as Sen. Brent Jackson, who was not present. “This has been an effort that has been ongoing for quite some time,” Branch said. “This jail is something that I’ve walked in and out of in my days as a highway patrolman many, many, many years ago. As life transitions, and as teams come and go, an understanding for what is important to the people becomes a reality.”
“Detention centers such as this is something we can truly be proud of,” he continued. “At the end, it’s a win, because we all come together to do what is right, what is necessary, and what’s in the best interest of all.”
The sheriff summed up the event by expressing appreciation for all who made the new detention center a reality. The detention center is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields said.
“Right now, our jailers work in a facility that’s outdated,” Sheriff Stokes said. “It has served its purpose, and we’re thankful that we’ve had it, but now our inmates will be safer, our employees will be safer and the community will be safer.”
