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Klein McCarthy Architects was hired by the County as the Justice Designer to work with a local firm, Paulsen Architects, assisting in the planning,
design, and construction administration for the project. Part of the concept for improved operations was to locate all Justice Services - the jail, law enforcement, courts, county
attorney and probation - in one building.
Prior to the new facility being built the Justice functions of the County were in 4 separate buildings located throughout the community; this created operational
inefficiencies. The new facility was located in an area of the community that allowed for future expansion, adequate parking, secure site access and improved Law
Enforcement access to main avenues to improve emergency response time. The planning of the new LEC incorporated front door public access and direct and secure staff
access to the jail, evidence, patrol, investigations, dispatch and squad / vehicle parking.
The new 6 station dispatch / 911 communication center was designed as a self-sustaining area to continue to function in the event of an emergency. The raised access
flooring allows for convenient future changes in equipment and technology.
Blue Earth County Justice Center is the first Justice Center in Minnesota to receive a US Green Building Council LEED Certification.
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