Rutherford County Detention Center, NC

06/05/2026

This is a HUGE step for the Rutherford County! We are beyond excited to take this next step. Thank you Dr. Sarah Horne for making this possible.

06/05/2026

Detention Center May 2026 statistics

06/05/2026

We are excited to announce an opportunity for those that are currently incarcerated at Rutherford County Detention Center.

05/28/2026

Another Successful CPR Class at Rutherford County Detention Center

We are proud to recognize the second men’s group to successfully complete CPR certification training at the Rutherford County Detention Center. Through the support of a generous private organization, these participants were given the opportunity to gain valuable life-saving skills while working toward positive personal growth.

Thank you to our Detention staff, ICC instructor Michael Crater, and our community partners for continuing to support programs that promote accountability, confidence, and second chances.

Please join us in congratulating this group on their achievement!

05/20/2026

Empowerment Through Education

We are proud to recognize another milestone at the Rutherford County Detention Center as another group has successfully completed CPR certification training. These accomplishments reflect their commitment to learning life-saving skills and making positive use of their time while in our facility.

This opportunity was made possible through funding provided by a generous private organization that helped remove barriers and ensure this valuable training was accessible to those who can benefit from it most.

Programs like this foster confidence, accountability, and personal responsibility, while equipping participants with practical, life-saving skills that can make a meaningful impact in emergency situations when they return to the community.

Thank you to our dedicated Detention staff, ICC instructor Stacy Jenkins, and our community partners who continue to support meaningful programs that promote growth and second chances.

Please join us in congratulating this group on their hard work and achievement!

05/16/2026

Last week at the Rutherford County Detention Center, we were honored to witness a powerful moment of faith and transformation as 32 inmates chose to be baptized — including 14 men and 18 women.

This meaningful event was led by Chaplain Wilkerson and Chaplain Landry, whose dedication and compassion continue to make a lasting impact within our facility. A special thank you goes to Chaplain Wilkerson for coordinating and planning the entire event.

These baptisms represent hope, renewal, and positive change, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible. Moments like these remind us of the importance of encouragement, support, and faith within our community.

05/15/2026

Come see us on June 2nd!

05/11/2026

April 2026 Detention Center statistics

05/10/2026

As we wrap up Correctional Officer Week, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took the time to recognize and support the hardworking men and women of the Rutherford County Detention Center.
Thank you to all who expressed words of encouragement, appreciation, and gratitude to our officers throughout the week. Your support means more than you know.
We also want to give a special thank you to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsored meals and donated food for our personnel. Your generosity helped make this week extra special for those who dedicate themselves daily to serving and protecting our community.

To our Detention Officers — thank you for your professionalism, courage, resilience, and commitment. The work you do often goes unseen, but it never goes unappreciated.
We are proud of each and every one of you. 💙

05/08/2026

Message from Sheriff Ellenburg:

Correctional Officer Week

As Sheriff of Rutherford County, I cannot express enough gratitude for the dedicated men and women who have chosen a career in detention services. These professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, often without recognition, to ensure the safety and security of our community.

Over the years, the challenges inside detention facilities have changed significantly. Mental health concerns, substance abuse issues and violence continue to rise and have become some of the greatest challenges our detention staff face daily. Despite these growing demands, our Detention Officers continue to serve with professionalism, compassion, and resilience.

Our facility, originally built in the late 1970s with additions in the 1990s, was designed for a different era and a different set of challenges. Yet the men and women serving within these walls continue adapting to meet the evolving needs of those in our custody while maintaining the safety of staff, inmates, and the public.

This week, we recognize and thank our Detention Officers and staff for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to public service. Their work may often go unseen, but it never goes unnoticed. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is stronger because of each of you.