Newly Constructed Wayne County Criminal Justice Center Opens

Detroit, MI. August 29, 2024 – Wayne County officials will officially open the doors, on Tuesday, September 3, to the newly completed Wayne County Criminal Justice Center (CJC), a state-of-the-art facility that marks a significant milestone in the county's criminal justice system. The project which spans over 11 acres and more than one million square feet across seven buildings, is now fully operational.

"The opening of the Criminal Justice Center ushers in a new era of justice for Wayne County," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a building; it represents our unwavering commitment to creating a fairer and more efficient justice system for all. By ensuring that justice is accessible and equitable, we're taking a significant step forward in our journey toward a more just future for Wayne County."

The CJC is designed to centralize Wayne County's criminal justice operations, housing a criminal courthouse, adult, and juvenile detention facilities, over 1,400 office spaces for various criminal justice departments and law enforcement, and a central utility plant. This comprehensive facility replaces several outdated structures, creating an integrated hub for the county's criminal justice demands.

"I thank CEO Warren Evans for his vision for a 21st Century Criminal Justice Center. This was a huge undertaking and I applaud all the stakeholders for their unrelenting work to bring this project to fruition. Wayne County citizens will certainly benefit from having all the criminal justice entities in one safe and secure new space," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

The new facility includes 26 criminal courtrooms, will house nearly 2,500 adult inmates and juvenile residents, and will welcome upwards of 1,000 visitors each day – all with free parking.

The CJC's Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF), spanning nearly 111,000 square feet and licensed to house 120 residents, is designed for innovative, restorative rehabilitation. It includes outdoor recreation spaces, basketball courts, a multi-purpose space, a modern workout facility, a library, and arts and crafts programs to promote personal growth. The JDF administrative offices will be housed in Criminal Justice Center, improving resident care and family support.

"Our move to the CJC is a long-awaited transition that will now enable us to better serve our resident population with the dignity and quality care they deserve," said Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington. "It has centralized several of our services and boosted staff morale in the process."

The CJC will streamline many court-related processes, including ticket handling and fine payments. Its integrated IT system promises enhanced access to justice for Wayne County residents using state-of-the-art technology, including video arraignments, visitations, and remote hearings.

"The opening of the CJC allows us to utilize state-of-the-art court technology in a larger space more conducive to all visitors to conduct their business. It also supports our ability to provide a safe environment for all, helping to build trust between members of the community, the Court and all our Wayne County partners," said Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. "The new CJC provides a higher level of service for the Wayne County community, providing a higher level of convenience and comfort. This benefits other court stakeholders as well from judges and defendants to attorneys and employees."

"The Wayne County Clerk's Office Criminal Records Division will be streamlined for customer's criminal court related business. Financial services and criminal court records can be easily accessed in the Clerk's office on the 1st Floor of the CJC," said Cathy M. Garrett, Wayne County Clerk.

"This long-awaited day represents a major step forward in criminal justice, not just for Wayne County but also nationwide. This state-of-the art complex brings together all branches of our criminal justice system, from the sheriff's department to the prosecutor's office to our courts. It will also provide a major step forward in the physical care and mental health care for those who are incarcerated," stated Alisha Bell, Wayne County Commission Chair.

"The realization of the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center stands as a significant milestone in the county's ongoing efforts to modernize and improve its criminal justice system, ensuring a safer, more efficient future for all residents," said Wayne County Corporation Counsel James Heath.

The CJC is located at 5301 Russell Street between East Warren Avenue and East Ferry Street just off the I-75 Service Drive.

For more information, please visit the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center website at: http://www.WayneCounty.com/CJC.