More than 50 Washington County law enforcement officers and detectives now share a larger, more interconnected work area after renovations to the Sheriff’s Office east annex that cost about half a million dollars.

In the works for about three years, the $455,000 project converted 10,000 square feet of storage space on the annex’s second floor. Justices of the peace toured the newly renovated space Monday evening.

Sheriff Tim Helder said by phone beforehand the work brings investigation, patrol, animal control and fire marshal personnel together — almost half the sheriff’s force — in a space they can take pride in.

“We hope they’ll embrace a culture of sharing information. The sharing of information, especially in investigative cases, is so important,” Helder said. “It’s new and it’s done right. I think this product we’ve come up with is kind of a collaboration between administration and the people with boots on the ground.”

During the past week or two the final employees have moved into the offices, which are painted and tiled in the department’s typically austere grays and browns where before there were concrete floors and open ceilings. Larger conference rooms and updated interview and recording technology came with the renovation. There’s room for growth, as well.

“Looks different than the last time I was in here,” said Justice of the Peace Ann Harbison with a laugh.

The officers and investigators are leaving cramped, relatively isolated offices in the Washington County Detention Center, Helder added. Jailers will be able to spread out into the space they leave behind.

“Everybody’s moved in,” Enforcement Maj. Rick Hoyt told the justices. “For the most part, it’s working real well.”

The sheriff’s office has debated how best to use the space since the detention center opened in 2005, Helder said. It was a tactical training area before being used to store uniforms, furniture and cleaning supplies.

An early estimate for the renovation’s cost was about $700,000. Helder said having Ron Wood, the county’s buildings and grounds director, supervise the project cut down on costs, as well as having inmates paint walls and provide other work.

“At least it’s not 750,” quipped Rick Cochran, justice of the peace.

The justices of the peace said they were pleased with the work.

“That’s a great space up there,” John Firmin told the law enforcement officials. “I’m really glad you guys are able to use it.”