Cass County Jail set to open its expansion in less than a month

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — In 2002, the Cass County Jail was built with a capacity of 252 inmates, and years later, built up to 348. But in the past several years, overcrowding accelerated the need for an expansion.

“When this was designed there were a lot of things that were considered. Number one the amount of resources that we’d need, our staff we would need to operate it. And then because of its size being able to make sure that we can keep everyone safe in here. Whether it was the inmates or the staff,” said Sheriff Jesse Jahner.

Since 2023, over 1,500 people were released due to overcrowding at the Jail.

In 2021, a study was conducted to project the need for capacity. From the study results, a bid for the expansion was made with the Cass County Commissioners. Approximately $31 million has been implemented into the expansion along with fixtures, furnishings, and supplies.

“Our goal over the next few weeks is to start training in here and learning the facility. Obviously there’s a lot of electronics that come along with a facility like this. And so we want to make sure that our staff is comfortable with how the whole thing operates,” said Jahner.

A tower stands in the center of the room for officers to be able to see into both floors. There are sixteen pods with 12 beds in each pod. Inmates also have access to a shower in their pods as well as a pay phone.

“It’ll be a much safer environment for everyone involved and we’ll be able to meet those different housing needs that we need to do based on special assessments, security threat levels, and medical needs and things of that nature,” said Jahner.

An additional twenty nine positions, including 2 nurses, 1 classification officer, 2 court deputies, and 24 correctional officers have been approved to work in the new addition.