Detroit Unveils an Impressive New Center for Criminal Justice

On Tuesday, residents of Detroit got their first peek at the much-talked-about new Criminal Justice Center. This mammoth facility marks a new chapter in the way justice is served in Wayne County.

Centrally located on Russell Street, this much-awaited justice center brings together criminal justice operations in one place. It features a brand-new jail and a juvenile detention center that can house up to 2,500 inmates. The complex also has 26 courtrooms. This gigantic center, sprawling over 11 acres and seven buildings, provides over a million square feet of space.

“Unveiling this Criminal Justice Center is like starting a new chapter for justice in Wayne County,” said a top official from the county. “It’s more than just a building – it represents our steadfast commitment towards a more efficient justice system. By ensuring accessible and fair justice, we’re paving the way for a more fair future in Wayne County.”

Getting this facility up and running was not an easy task. It took 13 years, half a billion dollars, and a first attempt that had to be abandoned mid-way. The county started building a jail in 2011 but had to stop in 2013 when the project ran $90 million over budget.

The new center replaces old and outdated jails – some of which were almost a century old. The centralized location of the justice center will also make it easier for friends and family of detainees to navigate the court and jail processes. County officials are preparing for a daily footfall of around 1,000 visitors to this complex.

In 2018, Wayne County struck a deal with developer Bedrock, owned by a popular billionaire, to construct the new center in return for the county’s downtown buildings. In 2022, due to overcrowding and understaffing, the county moved its juvenile detention facility from a previous location to a former adult jail in Hamtramck.

This latest initiative by Wayne County is anticipated to provide a significant boost to the county’s criminal justice system, leading to a more efficient and user-friendly process for all involved.