The Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail is the first of its kind in Missouri.  The concept of a number of counties joining together to establish a jail had been discussed amongst half a dozen counties in the area over the past 10 years.  While Missouri statutes allowed for a regional jail, it provided no way to pay its expenses.  In 2000 legislation was passed during the Governor Holden’s administration allowing for a ½ cent sales tax to be voted by the jail district.

In May of 2005 the Daviess and DeKalb County Commissions voted to form the jail district.  The district is governed by the two counties Presiding Commissioners and Sheriffs.  In November, 2005 the ½ cent sales tax was passed by the district.  Collection on that sales tax began in April of 2006.  The sales tax is used to retire the bond debt and for operations.

The newly formed Jail District purchased Midwest Security Housing, a private facility located in Pattonsburg, Missouri. The facility with everything included to operate, including the vehicles along with 10 acres, was purchased for $3.5 million. The name of the jail was changed and the Daviess-DeKalb Regional Jail opened on February 15, 2006.

The jail also receives funds for renting out bed space to other agencies. Currently there are approximately 4 counties and 4 municipalities that are housing detainees at our facility.

In January 2011, a new Director was selected for the jail. Mr. Bob Gray from Hamilton Missouri was given the responsibility to make improvements in safety, security, daily operations and staffing. Mr. Gray put into motion a way to save the taxpayers interest in the current bond by refinancing it. It was estimated that the bond will be paid for in 2016 with a savings in interest of over $100,000.00. With the leadership of Mr. Gray and hard work from staff, the bond was paid off in 2014, two years early. in February of 2016, Mr. Gray passed away and Mr. Edmon Howard Jr. of Pattonsburg was promoted from Deputy Director to Director.