FAULKNER COUNTY, AR - Two years after breaking ground, the new Faulkner County Jail is now days away from opening. And when the new $6 million building begins taking in inmates, jailers say Faulkner County will be a safer place to live.

Like many other counties, the current jail stays at capacity and right now, police have to arrest and release inmates on a daily basis because they have no place to put them. Come Aug. 7, that will change. Workers are now putting the finishing touches on the jail located just off East German Lane in Conway.

The paint has dried. The concrete has been sealed. Now, workers are doing last minute housekeeping to get ready for inmates early next month.

Capt. Jeff Johnston says, "Right now, they're washing all the uniforms getting everything set up and ready for inmates when they're brought over."

Johnston will be running the new jail, which was funded by a voter approved sales tax increase. The new building holds 260 beds. Add that to the 140 at the current jail and Johnston says they're now able to keep more criminals off the streets.

"We've currently been arresting and releasing everyone that we can because of overcrowding issues, so this will be a great benefit to the county," explains Johnston.

Not only will new building offer more room and bed space to house inmates, but it is also equipped some of the most hi-tech cameras and security features available today.

Johnston says, "The [cameras] allow us to be able to monitor different areas of this facility from one location."

With the touch of a finger, jailers can see nearly ever corner of the jail.

"I don't know of any other facility that has the cameras and the set up that we do," says Johnston.

Water is activated by touch and the intercom system is activated by sound.

Even with all the hi-tech features, inmates can expect the same minimal amenities. The metal beds, thin mattresses and common shower areas remind you this is no Holiday Inn.

The opening date of the jail was delayed several months because of construction problems and the need for added security equipment. Johnston says not all the inmates will be moving in at one time. They'll first bring in the female inmates to test the facility. Then, gradually add the males before opening the doors for police to book in new inmates.

The new jail is mostly considered a minimum-security facility although this is just the first of the three-phase project. Eventually, more space will be added to house maximum-security inmates and the sheriff department's administrative offices.