On May 6, 1995 Collin County Citizens approved a bond for 5 million dollars to build a 100 bed Juvenile Detention center. We broke ground on April 14, 1997. The delay was caused by an increase in construction costs. The project when completed cost approximately 7 million dollars. Construction began on May 12, 1997.

The Ribbon Cutting was held on November 20, 1998. We occupied the building opening 48 beds on February 6, 1999. We opened 24 Post Adjudication Long Term beds on June 1, 2001. We began using the Fast Trac computerizes book-in system on August 24, 2001. As of July 22, 2002 96 beds were open. There are 48 Post Adjudication beds and 48 Pre-Adjudication beds. We also have Two Administrative Segregation beds as well as Two medical isolation beds.

On July 22, 2002 we completed construction of an outside recreation yard, 2 new libraries, 2 storage areas, enclosed recreation yard, and added a walk in freezer/cooler to the kitchen.

The Pre-Adjudication Program of the John R. Roach Detention Center provides a safe and secure environment for the placement of juveniles who have allegedly broken the law. During their placement, juveniles are required to follow a structured daily program which includes but is not limited to; Academic Education provided by McKinney I.S.D., Life Skills training, Physical Training, as well as appropriate Behavior Management. Upon admission, juveniles are placed on a level system that rewards positive behavior, and provides logical consequences for negative behavior. Our goal is to help juveniles realize that their decisions can have a positive or a negative impact upon themselves, others and those who care about them. All daily activities are monitored by Detention officers who are certified by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission.

Juveniles are provided with three daily meals and an evening snack. They are also provided with all necessary clothing items and personal hygiene supplies.

The Long-Term Unit of the Collin County Juvenile Detention Center offers the Court an alternative to committing the Juvenile to the Texas Youth Commission. Commitment may be for any period of time up to one year. The Post Adjudication Long-Term Program is a self-contained unit with no interaction with the juveniles being detained in the Short-Term Unit. The capacity of the Long-Term Unit is 48 Post Adjudication beds. The facility is staffed twenty-four hours a day with both male and female detention officers. All detention personnel are certified by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission as Certified Juvenile Detention Officers, as well as having a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.