Wayne County Jail Faces Flooding and Staffing Woes
In Wayne County, the newly opened jail facility is experiencing a series of challenges that have officials scrambling for solutions. Since its debut in early September, the complex has made headlines due to reports of floods, destructive behavior from inmates, and an alarming shortage of staff.
Stormy Times in a New Facility
A recent meeting held by the Wayne County Commission’s Special Committee on its Criminal Justice Complex addressed a pressing issue: nearly 100 damaged sprinkler heads that had to be replaced. Unruly inmates have destroyed these sprinklers as a form of protest against what they describe as prolonged and unmanageable lockdowns. Their frustrations arise from the lack of adequate staffing, as officials struggle to properly manage the facility with a significant number of deputies missing from the team.
During the meeting, county Corporation Counsel James Heath shared that repairing the sprinkler systems was essential to control the flooding and prevent further damage. When these sprinkler heads are damaged, water pours out uncontrollably, leading to property damage that could hinder the facility’s operations. Unfortunately, incidents have escalated to the point where two inmates reportedly took their own lives within just the first month of the facility’s opening.
Funding the Fix
The investment in new sprinkler heads was drawn from the county’s jail budget, but as Heath explained, the long-term costs could fall to the project’s main contractor, Barton Malow, or architect HOK, under a one-year warranty. “When a sprinkler head is damaged, it’s not just that it’s broken; it’s the additional chaos it causes with water everywhere,” Heath reflected. The dire situation has forced the county to reassess what type of sprinkler heads to install to ensure durability.
Gregory Hurst, who leads facilities management for the county, pointed out that not all areas of the prison will require these replacements—only the sections where damage has been most frequent. Heath stated, “The breaking of sprinklers has slowed down dramatically” since they have addressed this issue.
Wider Concerns in the Complex
However, flooding isn’t the only hurdle for this facility. There have also been reports of broken plumbing, a reduction in visiting rooms for attorney-client meetings, and even thin walls that make it hard to maintain confidentiality. Detroit defense bar president Lilian Diallo expressed her dissatisfaction with the current conditions, describing them as chaotic and far from ideal.
Barton Malow has defended their work, emphasizing that they adhered to the specifications provided by Wayne County. They noted that they have passed all necessary inspections and that Wayne County is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the criminal justice complex.
Brighter Days Ahead?
Mike Jaafar, the Wayne County Undersheriff, took a moment during the meeting to share a more optimistic perspective, stating, “There’s a lot more positive.” He likened the jail’s current state to that of a “brand new house” needing time to settle. Jaafar expressed relief, saying he felt comfortable enough in this facility to take a shower—a comment that reflects a rare level of comfort for a jail environment.
Nonetheless, not all agree with this optimistic outlook. Cpl. Allen Cox, president of the Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, believes that many of the issues could have been avoided if staff had been consulted during construction. There are persistent staffing shortages that continue to plague law enforcement agencies across the country, with nearly 100 vacancies reported in the sheriff’s office as of 2022.
Moving Forward
As Wayne County navigates this complex situation, the focus is now on making necessary adjustments to improve conditions. Everything from locks on doors to addressing any faulty materials used in construction—including the type of glass in cells—is under scrutiny. Heath assured the commission that any defective construction aspects would be followed up with appropriate warranty claims.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on Wayne County to see how they manage these challenges and work toward a more functional and safe environment for both staff and inmates alike.
