The modern Department of Corrections was established by the County Council in 1993. Since the beginning of the County, the government has been responsible for safe incarceration of some citizens.
In 1854, the first Baltimore County Jail was built. Constructed of stone, the facility had no plumbing and was built like a fortress. The front of the facility was the Warden’s residence where the warden and his family lived. This facility is on the Register of National Historic Sites and is located on the corner of Bosley Avenue and Towsontowne Boulevard.
On the same location stood the second Baltimore County Jail that was built in 1955.Originally the building was intended to be an office building for the county. However, based on the need to provide additional inmate housing it was converted into a jail during construction. In 1975, the first annex was constructed. This annex was at the time state- of-the-art with electronically activated doors and held approximately 175 inmates.
In the late 1970s, a rise in inmate population developed as the county grew. Plans were made for the new construction of the Baltimore County Detention Center on Kenilworth Drive. The opening of this facility in 1982 intended to bring about the closing of the 1955 building; however, a swelling inmate population forced the reopening of the old jail.
This growing population also meant expansion in the facility’s Work Release Program. The County purchased several industrial trailers to house Work Release inmates. This was intended as a short-term solution (as the planning of the second annex had already begun). However, with the rising inmate population this temporary solution turned into a long-term commitment.
In order to remain constitutionally appropriate, an annex was added in 1994 adding much needed recreational areas and an enlarged kitchen. This expansion also allowed for the more humane housing of inmates with psychological issues.
The new $77 million state-of-the-art building opened May 5, 2006. This facility was constructed to meet modern correctional standards and can house approximately 1500+ inmates. The consolidation of correctional resources on one site allows the Department to maximize efficiencies in service delivery for inmates and safety. Housing unit design allows for the secure housing of inmates with various security levels. The new institution enhances safeguarding our communities by increasing our ability to secure lawbreakers safely in an efficient structure.
Revised March 6, 2008
Courthouse 