(DEC. 2, 2024) — The operations of Probation Services are running much more efficiently since the department relocated to a new facility earlier this fall.
Previously, Probation Services shared space with the Marshal’s Office, Animal Control, Coroner’s Office and the E 9-1-1 backup center on Marietta Highway. The Coroner’s Office relocated to a new facility in 2023. The recent move of Probation Services freed up additional space at the Marshal’s Office building while also giving Probation more space and facilities for their operations.
Following the Office of Elections & Voter Registration moving to its current location on Lamar Haley Parkway, the County opted to utilize the building on 400 East Main St. in downtown Canton for Probation Services.
The Board of Commissioners engaged KRH Architects in March 2023 to repurpose the Albert Stone Elections Building for Probation Services. Probation Services Director Emili Roman worked closely with the architects to ensure the layout allowed for not only efficiency but future growth, as well.
The previous location had probation officers in offices on an upper level not suitable for meetings with probationers and requiring probation officers to share office space for meeting purposes. There also were limitations on restroom space for both staff and drug testing.
The design took into account the need for the additional office space, restroom facilities, and facilities for employees.
“We’ve gone from one employee bathroom serving all of the entities to two dedicated bathrooms for employees and three bathrooms for drug testing. We had people sharing office space, and now everyone has their own office space plus we have room to grow,” Roman said. “We have been able to spread out on a single floor that was laid out for our purposes, and it’s made operations a lot more efficient.”
Interior renovations of the 7,200-square-foot facility includes 25 office spaces, which includes a director, three supervisors, three drug testers, and one administration space. Also included are a waiting area, training room, breakroom, mail/copy rooms, drug testing and lab spaces, and supporting HVAC, data, and electrical rooms. The building’s exterior was repaired and refreshed as well. It also includes a monumental plaque highlighting the historic significance of the building.
The County’s Property Management Department and contractor Ward Humphrey completed the construction work.
Roman said Probation Services’ new location makes them easier to find and allows better access for probationers who may need to visit their offices after leaving the Justice Center or the Solicitor’s Office in downtown Canton.
To learn more about the work Probation Services does, visit the county’s official YouTube page at @cherokeegagov.
