Bottineau County Jail & Law Enforcement Center Expansion – Bottineau, ND
Completed in 2017, Comstock Construction led the expansion and renovation of the Bottineau County Jail and Law Enforcement Center. This project, designed by JLG Architects in collaboration with BWBR as the Secure Environments Design Architect, modernized and expanded the facility to improve security, inmate capacity, and operational efficiency.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Delivery Method
This project was delivered using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) approach, a collaborative three-party system where the owner contracts separately with a design firm and with Comstock. All parties worked together to establish a design that aligned with the budget.
Before construction began, Comstock (CMAR) established a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), securing the maximum project cost. As the CMAR, Comstock managed all subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring efficient execution and cost control.
Enhancing Security & Capacity
The 7,800 SF precast addition and 3,700 SF renovation significantly increased both detention and law enforcement spaces.
Jail Expansion & Security Upgrades
- Increased Inmate Housing – Expanded from eight cells and one holding cell to eleven cells and four holding cells.
- Dedicated Female Inmate Area – Providing a secure and separate housing unit.
- New Medical & Recreation Spaces – Improving healthcare and rehabilitation for inmates.
- Mirrored Security Glass – Officers maintain full visibility while preventing inmates from seeing outside their cell block.
Modernized Law Enforcement Facilities
- Expanded Sheriff’s Offices – Nearly tripled the original space, enhancing workflow and administrative functions.
- Secure Public Lobby & Reception – Strengthened visitor control and security measures.
- Upgraded Interview & Interrogation Rooms – Integrated with one-way glass and advanced A/V recording technology.
- Improved Evidence Storage & Processing – Designed for secure evidence handling and chain-of-custody management.
- New Secure Vehicle Sallyport – Positioned adjacent to a booking and processing area, equipped for fingerprinting, sobriety testing, and mug-shot photography.
- State-of-the-Art Dispatch Center – A centralized control hub for law enforcement operations.
- Dedicated Armory Space – Providing secure storage and maintenance for deputy equipment.
Strengthening Public Safety & Law Enforcement Operations
Sheriff Steve Watson emphasized the critical need for improved security, stating:
“Before, anyone could walk right into our offices. Thankfully, nothing ever happened, but we needed to update our security.”
With controlled access, upgraded surveillance, and enhanced separation between public and secure areas, the renovated facility provides a safer, more efficient environment for law enforcement personnel, inmates, and the community.
Check out other Jail & Law Enforcement Construction projects here.