Clay County Opens Law Enforcement Resource Center

Clay County marked a milestone with the official opening of its new Law Enforcement Resource Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance training for Sheriff’s Office staff and local partner agencies. The center, located at 16414 N.E. 116th St. in Kearney, is the county’s first major law enforcement construction project in 25 years, following the expansion of the Clay County Detention Center in 2000.

The $8 million project was made possible through federal grants, including significant support from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Piper-Wind Architects, Inc. led the design, and Straub Construction LLC served as the general contractor.

Law enforcement personnel will benefit from the facility’s advanced amenities, including a 10-lane indoor shooting range, a classroom with capacity for up to 64 participants, and dedicated spaces for defensive tactics and decision-making training. The center also features cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality technology, providing officers with comprehensive preparation for the evolving needs of the county’s growing community.

To celebrate the grand opening, county employees, elected officials, and representatives from local law enforcement agencies toured the new training center, while over 40 neighboring residents received a preview during a special event the previous evening. The resource center is expected to help Sheriff’s Office staff meet rigorous training requirements and maintain readiness to serve Clay County effectively.

The Law Enforcement Resource Center stands as a significant investment in public safety and officer preparedness, reflecting Clay County’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and adapting to the demands of a growing population.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.