Next phase of Law Enforcement Center project officially underway

On Thursday, July 30, Macon-Bibb County and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office officially celebrated the next phase of the Law Enforcement Center renovation and expansion project.

"This project is about making sure our Law Enforcement Center can safely and effectively serve our community," said Mayor Lester Miller. "By expanding capacity, improving security, and creating space to better address the needs of inmates with mental health challenges, we're investing in a facility that better supports our deputies, staff, and the people they serve."

"We are very thankful for the County Commission's approval of funding for this addition," said Jail Administrator Colonel Samuel Jines. "It will help alleviate many of the significant logistical challenges we've faced over the years with our aging facility."

The new addition includes enhanced security features and improved space to separate inmates who create major disruptions within the facility, Col. Jines said.

The next phase of the project will focus on upgrades to the existing jail and the construction of new maximum-security housing pods. Once complete, the expansion is expected to add up to 150 beds, including 96 maximum-security beds and 24 beds designed for inmates experiencing mental health challenges. The expansion was designed by Jericho Design Group and will be constructed by Warren Associates, Inc.

"I am very proud to be moving to the point of breaking ground on the new jail addition," said Sheriff David Davis. "This important occasion represents a commitment to making the current jail facility more suitable for inmates who face health challenges while incarcerated. It also represents a commitment to our staff by creating a better working environment."

The groundbreaking marks the next major milestone in the Bibb County Jail improvement project. Phase 1 included the demolition of the former James F. Higgins Building on Hazel Street and the construction of a new public parking lot, which is now open.

People visiting the administrative offices at the Law Enforcement Center can now park in the public lot on Oglethorpe Street in front of the facility. As part of the improvements, Hawthorne Street has been closed to public through traffic at First Street Lane and converted to a one-way street for handicap parking only. Accessible parking spaces are located on Hawthorne Street behind the jail and can be accessed from 2nd Street.

The full project is estimated to cost between $28.5 million and $31 million and is intended to improve safety, increase capacity, and enhance operations at the Law Enforcement Center.