Wayne County Unveils New Criminal Justice Center After Years of Delays
Detroit, MI – The long-awaited Wayne County Criminal Justice Center officially opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, marking an important milestone for the most populous county in Michigan. After more than a decade of delays and challenges, the new facility aims to improve the safety and functionality of the criminal justice system.
A New Era for Wayne County
Located at 5301 Russell Street, just off the I-75 Service Drive, this sprawling complex covers over 11 acres and includes room for 2,500 inmates along with 26 courtrooms. Designed to consolidate Wayne County’s criminal justice operations, the center features a new jail and a juvenile detention center set to alleviate overcrowding and outdated facilities, some of which were nearly 100 years old.
County Executive Warren Evans expressed joy at the opening, stating, “This is a sigh of relief for me. It’s a great day.” Surrounded by county officials, he remarked on the collaboration required to bring this project to fruition. “After many, many years — at least 10 that I’ve been here — we finally come to a culmination of getting a facility built that ought to satisfy the needs of both adult detention, juvenile detention, the courts and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office,” Evans said.
A Challenging Journey
The path to the new justice center has been a long one. Initiated in 2011, the project faced numerous setbacks, including a halted construction in 2013 due to budget issues that had escalated costs by $90 million. Ultimately, it took 13 years and at least $500 million to finish the construction.
Among the first visitors to the complex on its opening day was Antonio Lockett, who shared his experience of picking up his granddaughter after she made bail. Despite waiting several hours, he understood that the transition to the new building could lead to such delays. “I sat in the car for six hours,” Lockett noted, but also expressed appreciation for the communication he received during the process.
Highlights of the New Facility
The new justice center is expected to serve around 1,000 visitors daily, including family, lawyers, and inmates. A key aspect of the design is that it aims to make navigation between jail facilities and the courts easier for visitors. By centralizing operations, officials hope to provide a safer and more efficient experience for all involved.
In addition to the adult jail, the juvenile detention center has been a focus of attention, especially after issues of overcrowding and inadequate conditions at the previous facilities. In March 2023, a crisis prompted county leaders to declare a state of emergency due to numerous problems, including assaults and lack of basic needs for detainees.
The design of the new juvenile facility includes a gym, multi-purpose spaces, a library, and areas for arts and crafts. Evans pointed out that these improvements will enable staff to monitor fewer detainees at a time, enhancing safety and care. “So, you don’t have to have 16 kids, for example, all together with a care worker. You can have eight,” he explained.
Continuing Challenges
Despite the upgrades, Evans acknowledged that there is still a threat of overcrowding in the juvenile detention center due to many youngsters awaiting transfer to state facilities. “I probably have 40 or 50 kids here now who should not be here,” Evans stated. “But having said that, we’re not overcrowded currently. We’re going to keep working on making the state do what it needs to do to take kids.”
Looking to the Future
The new criminal justice center is the result of a 2018 deal with the developer Bedrock, owned by billionaire Dan Gilbert. The agreement involved Wayne County spending over $401 million, while Bedrock covered additional rising costs. The final costs for taxpayers are estimated to be just over $500 million, reflecting several factors including construction delays and necessary updates to the design.
Officials are optimistic that the completion of the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center will not only enhance the county’s criminal justice operations but also provide a more humane environment for those involved. As more experiences and lessons emerge from the operation of the new facility, the community hopes to see improved conditions for both detainees and staff alike.
