Burgaw, NC — Pender County proudly celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Law Enforcement Center (LEC), a landmark achievement in advancing the county’s public safety infrastructure. The event, held at 1417 Old Savannah Road, drew county officials, law enforcement leaders, community members, and project partners to commemorate the beginning of construction on the 100,000-square-foot facility.
The new LEC will feature a state-of-the-art detention center with an initial capacity of 232 beds, providing critical room for expansion as the county grows. The building will also house an upgraded sheriff’s office, a modern 911 operations center, an evidence storage facility, and essential infrastructure, including parking, driveways, a communications tower, on-site utilities, and stormwater management systems. The facility is designed to meet current needs and provide flexibility for future expansion, and it is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026.
Pender County Board of Commissioners Chairman Brad George opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and recognized elected officials who played a role in developing this project. County Manager Michael Silverman acknowledged the contributions of county staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition.
Todd Davis from Moseley Architects, a project partner, highlighted the project’s historical significance and outlined its development. The initial discussions and studies began in 2011, focusing on resolving jail overcrowding issues. By 2015, these studies expanded to explore various solutions and potential sites. In 2020, the Pender County Board of Commissioners (BOC) engaged Moseley Architects to conduct a comprehensive study to design a unified Law Enforcement Center to integrate the sheriff’s operations, a 911 center, and a modern detention facility in one cohesive structure.
The facility comprises a 64,264-square-foot detention center capable of housing 232 offenders, a 2,600-square-foot 911 center with room for ten consoles and space for future growth, and a 34,000-square-foot sheriff’s office that will support law enforcement needs for years.
The LEC’s site was secured through a collaborative effort with the assistance of former Sheriff Carson Smith, who serves in the NC House of Representatives. His involvement helped Pender County obtain this land from the state, laying the foundation for this transformative project.
Angie Turbeville, Education and Training Coordinator for the NC 911 Board shared insights on the new center’s technological and operational advancements. Sheriff Alan Cutler spoke to the LEC's importance to the community, underscoring the county's commitment to public safety and providing top-tier facilities for law enforcement personnel.
Daniels and Daniels Construction, the project’s contractor, wasted no time after the groundbreaking, initiating work to bring the county’s vision to life.
This new facility reinforces Pender County’s dedication to addressing evolving public safety needs and supporting the community’s well-being. The Law Enforcement Center project marks a major milestone in ensuring that the county remains prepared, secure, and equipped to handle future challenges.