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Rutherford County Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg and his team of officers and other staff have made great progress in settling into their new headquarters, but there are still a few more boxes to unpack and furnishings and equipment to rearrange. Overall, they are happy to have moved to a more spacious law enforcement center that facilitates greater efficiency and collaboration.
The Sheriff's office officially made the move from its old location the first week of May and was previously located within the detention center complex, at 198 North Washington Street in Rutherfordton. The move also allows the jail to use the entire space, and is now undergoing some much-needed renovations.
The new sheriff's office is at 198 Day Break Drive, on the former school campus that was once the original R-S Central High School, and later R-S Middle School. The main office is in the repurposed "sixth grade building," which was one of the newer buildings on the site. The former school cafeteria has been repurposed and is now a large, modern evidence storage center.
Using the old school property for law enforcement, is an idea that has been considered by county leaders since at least 2024. The new sheriff's office allows the majority of sheriff's officers and investigators to be based in the same location. Previously, they were scattered among the main office alongside the jail, and other offices located across Rutherfordton and Spindale.
Ellenburg is pleased with the new headquarters.
"We do have a lot more space, and it is nicer, more modern. Having nearly all the officers here is helpful. It helps with morale," Ellenburg said. "It enables our officers to communicate more easily, and it's more convenient for the public."
Chief Deputy Randy Greenway said county law enforcement officers work hard, take their work seriously, and take pride in their work.
"Being in the new facility adds to that sense of camaraderie. Being here helps build cohesion among the entire team," Greenway said.
The new sheriff's office also comes with a training space, with appropriate technology, where large numbers of officers can take various classes at one time.
"We have already had some training take place here, and it works out very well," Ellenburg said.
The new sheriff's office project cost just over $5,225,500. This funding was through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and not local tax dollars. It was originally projected to cost $3.5 million, but the budget was amended last fall.
Ellenburg said that while the jail renovations won't bring a net gain in number of inmate beds, it will bring much needed improvements.
There will be improved booking and intake space, to allow for that process to be more streamlined, a decontamination shower, and increased property storage area.
Capacity for females will increase. There will be 164 male beds, and 44 female beds, for a total capacity of 208 inmates. While more crime is typically committed by males, those numbers are evolving.
"Especially with the explosion of drug-related crime, the number of female criminals is rising," Ellenburg said.
Jail renovations will also bring about improved security and safety for officers as well as the public. There will be secured, fenced parking, a designated transport corridor, as well as improved magistrate space.
The jail project, officials said, is on target to cost $10 million, which is from a state directed grant. Officials hope this project will be completed by the end of 2027.
As additional funding becomes available in the future, the detention center complex can be expanded to accommodate additional inmates.
