The long-awaited Dallas County Law Enforcement Center project is finally reaching its conclusion, with some County staff already getting some training in the facility.

At the most recent Board of Supervisors meeting, representatives from construction managers the Samuels Group and architects the Farnsworth Group went over the latest progress of construction. Samuels Group President Sid Samuels said the first two sections of the facility have each been completed, and Sheriff’s Office employees have been on site the last week to get familiar with the building. As for the third section, which is the jail pod, a contractor is currently testing its functions and security, and Samuels expects that aspect to be wrapped up by next week. He also noted that the State Fire Marshal has inspected and approved the whole facility.

At this point all that’s left is to complete punch list items for the jail section, which includes pouring floors, painting, and some final electrical work. After that, training will commence on how to properly use the jail facilities, which Sheriff Chad Leonard says will include not only his staff but also other local law enforcement officials who will need to be familiar with the building. If everything goes as currently planned, the center could officially open at the beginning of August. Leonard is hopeful to have some kind of grand opening or ribbon-cutting ceremony some time after that, though he’s unsure what that would look like given ongoing concerns of COVID-19.