The Randall County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its newly expanded jail facility during an open house this week, marking a major milestone in the county’s efforts to keep pace with rapid population growth and prevent overcrowding in its detention system.
The $17 million expansion, which broke ground in August 2023, adds 96 new beds to the existing 454-bed facility—bringing the total capacity to 550. With Randall County’s inmate population hovering near capacity—449 inmates were in custody the morning of the open house—the expansion arrives just in time.
“This expansion is very well needed,” said Sgt. Hillary Garcia. “This morning the facility had 449 inmates. So, we’re right there at that capping point of 454. The last time that we had a jail expansion was in 2009, so it’s about time, with how the community is growing, that we saw another jail expansion.”
Sheriff Chris Forbis echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to address not only space but also safety and mental health needs within the facility.
“With the design that we did, with an individual shower in each cell, it gives us the flexibility to quarantine people if needed,” Forbis said. “Or if we have people with mental issues who need to be protected from the general population—or the other way around—we can do that.”
Modern Design and Increased Flexibility
The expansion includes two new pods, with each cell housing one inmate and equipped with a private shower. According to Sgt. Garcia, the design was influenced by lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation and hygiene became critical.
“If we need to quarantine someone, we have the ability to do so,” Garcia explained. “If we have a mental subject that needs to be separated from the general population, we can still provide hygiene time while maintaining safety.”
The expansion not only adds physical space, but it also brings new technology and services aimed at improving the inmate experience. In December 2024, Randall County introduced tablets for inmates, giving them access to virtual visitation, educational courses, e-books, and movies.
Boost in Employment Opportunities
With more beds comes the need for more personnel. The jail is adding six correctional officer positions this fall to support the increased capacity. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, but no prior jail experience is required.
“We don’t expect the applicants to have experience; we provide them with the training,” said Garcia. “Within one year of working here, they’ll attend our jail academy and gain their license.”
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards mandates one officer per 48 inmates, so the staffing increase ensures the jail remains in compliance with state regulations.
Serving the Wider Community
The Randall County Jail not only holds county inmates but also houses individuals from the City of Amarillo with Class C misdemeanors and federal inmates under contract.
Sheriff Forbis emphasized that while incarceration is necessary in many cases, the Sheriff’s Office strives to maintain a facility that respects the dignity of all inmates.
“We understand that they’re inmates, but they’re also still members of the community,” Garcia added. “We try to provide them with the best facility possible.”
What’s Next?
The new pods are nearly ready for use. The Sheriff’s Office is waiting on the delivery of tables for the common areas and anticipates moving inmates into the expanded section by the end of the month.
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