Bibb County jail expansion could add 150 beds by 2027
Sheriff David Davis says the addition will help relieve overcrowding and allow renovations to older sections of the jail.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward with plans to expand the jail after being allocated funding to build an addition to the current facility.
Sheriff David Davis says while he has wanted a new jail built, that’s not financially possible right now.
“I’ve always advocated for a new jail, a complete new jail, but the funds are just not available to do that,” he said. “So, with what funds there are available, we are going to be able to build an addition to this one.”
According to Sheriff Davis, the expansion is expected to house around 150 additional inmates, including those with chronic mental and physical health issues who need extra monitoring.
He says it will also create space to separate inmates who are disruptive in the general population.
“It doesn’t take too many of those to really create chaos and problems in the jail,” he said. “Amongst individuals who are here just to do their time and to get out. So we want to have a way to isolate those individuals.”
Right now, crews are surveying the property and preparing the site with hopes to break ground in the spring.
Sheriff Davis says the added space will also allow the jail to renovate older sections that are currently full. He adds the expansion will likely require additional staff and incorporate updated technology to better monitor inmates.
“I have encouraged and asked the designers to make sure they incorporate every type of technology and personnel efficiencies that they can,” Davis said.
Changes to the jail aren’t the only thing happening. The sheriff says changes in leadership are underway, with Major Brad Wolf retiring in December and Major Brandon Grace taking over jail operations last month.
Sheriff Davis says they’re also working to hire a jail administrator to help oversee policies and coordinate operations inside the facility.
Sheriff Davis also acknowledged recent inmate deaths and said those cases are being investigated by the GBI. He added that his sympathies are with the families.
The jail expansion is expected to begin this spring and be completed by the end of 2027.
