Faulty door mechanisms are blamed for a stabbing at the Beauregard Parish jail earlier this year. Parish officials have a plan in place to fix the issue.

In January, an inmate was stabbed multiple times with a broken pair of scissors, receiving minor injuries. Sheriff Mark Herford confirmed the inmate was able to open their cell door as a result of broken door lock mechanisms.

In an earlier interview, parish administrator Bryan McReynolds told us electrical and plumbing issues were among their priorities to fix. Assistant warden Luke Gaspard said since then, construction has been in full swing.

“We are now ripping out all the doors, the wiring, putting in new doors, sand blasting all the old paint off,” Gaspard said. “We are fully updating the jail.”

He explains that the structure will remain, but the inside will be completely renovated and up-to-date with fire marshal and health inspection codes.

“The door mechanisms, the control room area, the plumbing, hot water, ventilation, everything of that nature, we are taking out and putting new in,” Gaspard said.

Maintaining a secure and functional facility like the Beauregard Parish jail requires constant attention to both structural and mechanical systems. Plumbing plays a critical role in ensuring the facility runs smoothly, particularly in high-use areas such as restrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Faulty plumbing can lead to flooding, water damage, and unsanitary conditions that jeopardize the safety of both inmates and staff. In facilities with aging infrastructure, plumbing issues often go hand in hand with electrical problems, leading to a host of complications that require immediate attention.

In situations like these, hiring a professional service such as a denver plumber can make a significant difference in preventing plumbing-related emergencies. Expert plumbers can assess the condition of pipes, fixtures, and drainage systems to ensure everything is functioning correctly, while also providing solutions for upgrading outdated components.

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to preventing leaks, blockages, or other plumbing failures that could disrupt the day-to-day operations of any facility.

In the meantime, inmates are housed in various locations across the state at fixed rates based on the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Construction is funded by $680,000 through federal grants.

“They are applying that to the doors and things of that nature, and we are updating the lights and plumbing with that money, as well,” Gaspard said. “Now, it may go over that, but I don’t see it going over that too much if any.”

Officials hope to have the jail renovations complete by the summer.

https://www.kplctv.com/2022/03/04/beauregard-jail-construction-underway/