The $10 million Ute Mountain Ute Chief Ignacio Justice Center in Towaoc began taking prisoners this week, detention officials announced Friday.

Twelve male prisoners have relocated to the facility, which is designed to hold up to 76 inmates, said corrections director Keith Elliot.

Once a full staff of 20 is on board, the center will be able to accommodate male and female adults and juveniles, all in separate quarters. A detox center is also part of the new jail, as are rehabilitation services.

It was all smiles at a ceremony Friday where certificates were handed out to new employees who completed transition training for various positions. On hand for the low-key event were Bill Yazza, acting chief of police; Walt Lamar, deputy director for BIA law enforcement; and Danny Breuninger, BIA District IV commander.

"This is significant because the facility is the last one built by the BIA in the country," said Lamar. "From now on they will be built through the Department of Justice."

The official move is a milestone of sorts for the BIA’s Ute Mountain division, which had been under a court-ordered consent decree for violating safety standards in the previous cramped and aging jail.

"We are out from under that liability and in a new building with lots of new faces who have good experience," said Yazza. "Employee morale has really improved."

The new justice center is a source of pride within the community, said chief jailer Keith Elliot.

"The key has been the staff that put it all together, and we have had good feedback from the town," he said. "The jobs we’re providing are a real good opportunity and there are still a few positions available."

For new hire Garrison Yazzie, the detention center meant a career change.