Mitchell City Council to Discuss Police Joining County Law Enforcement Complex
By John Damon
The Mitchell City Council will meet Monday evening to discuss a request from Davison County officials to include the Mitchell Police Department in a planned regional law enforcement complex. The proposal, which could reshape public safety operations in the area, comes as the county faces growing jail capacity needs.
Davison County Commissioners have already hired Tegra to provide preliminary project management for a new county law enforcement building. While an engineering firm has not yet been selected, a jail-needs study projects the county will require 97 beds by 2035 and 113 beds by 2045. The current facility has 72 beds and an average daily population of 56 to 64 inmates.
The proposed complex would house the Davison County Sheriff's Department, county jail, and court services, which have operated on South Miller Street since 1997. Now, county officials are asking the city to join as a partner.
What the Police Chief Says
Mitchell Police Chief Dean Knippling expressed cautious optimism about the proposal but acknowledged many details remain unclear.
“I'm hopeful. We have to see how we can make it work and what the funding is going to be and how it's going to be laid out,” Knippling said.
The chief’s comments reflect the uncertainty surrounding the project, which has not yet produced blueprints or cost estimates.
Council Members Voice Concerns
Council President Kevin McCardle said he has not seen any detailed plans or pricing for the facility.
“They want the city to be a partner. We don't know how big the jail is going to be, how many it's going to hold, how much it's going to cost, where they're going to have it,” McCardle said.
Council member Shaun Davis said he has not yet decided whether to support funding the project. He believes a shared law enforcement center could improve efficiency and benefit both departments, especially given the outdated condition of the current jail.
“It'd be a good idea for the city and the county, just depends on where the money is going to come from,” Davis said.
Location Raises Questions
A possible location under discussion is the city-owned 26.68-acre lot at Highway 37 Bypass and Eighth Avenue, near Mitchell Middle School. The site currently includes the Cadwell Dog Park.
“Jail by a school, I don't know about that yet,” Davis said. “It just depends on what people want, I'm going to go with whatever people want.”
Davis noted that if the city proceeds with the project, a different location could be chosen if the school proximity proves unpopular.
“I don't know how citizens would like having their kids going to the middle school next to a jail, but that's down the road,” McCardle added.
Fire Department Concerns
If the police department relocates, the Mitchell Public Safety Building on First Avenue could be modified to better accommodate the fire department. However, if the fire department also moves, a new fire station would be required.
Mitchell Fire Chief Shannon Sandoval said it would be cheaper to maintain the current Public Safety Building than build a new station. He also noted the First Avenue location provides better response times for fire and EMS services in central and south Mitchell.
“I would like to see us stay where we were at,” Sandoval said.
Other Business on the Agenda
In addition to the law enforcement complex discussion, the council will consider several other items at Monday’s meeting:
- Second reading of an ordinance to reinstate a leash law for animals at large
- Policy for alleyway improvements in Mitchell
- Public hearing on special assessments for alleyway construction on East First Avenue and East Seventh Avenue
- Awarding a bid to install sidewalks along Mitchell Boulevard
- Request from Harris Properties to waive sidewalk requirements for commercial suites at West Elm Avenue and South Iowa Street
- Setting aside $2.5 million in reserves
- Assignment agreement for Tax Increment District No. 46
- Adopting the 2026 Davison County Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Volunteer board appointments to the Regional Railroad Authority
- Eliminating the Corn Palace assistant director position to create a box office and concessions supervisor role at a lower pay grade
The council will also consider event permits, plats, public hearing dates, daycare conditional use requests, and go into executive session.
The Mitchell City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at City Hall.
FAQ
Why is the county asking Mitchell to join the law enforcement complex?
County officials believe a shared facility would improve efficiency and address growing jail capacity needs. The current jail is outdated, and projections show the county will need more beds in the coming years.
How much will the project cost?
No cost estimates have been released yet. Council members say they have not seen blueprints or financial details, making it difficult to assess the city's potential financial commitment.
Could the jail be built near a school?
A possible location near Mitchell Middle School has been discussed, but council members have expressed reservations. Davis said a different site could be chosen if the public opposes the school proximity.
What happens to the fire department if police move?
The fire department could stay at the current Public Safety Building, which would be modified for its use. Chief Sandoval prefers this option, citing lower costs and better response times from the First Avenue location.