Bibb County Jail expansion project underway amid calls for reform

Phased project aims to improve inmate care, expand mental health services, and reduce overcrowding at Bibb County Jail.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — After a series of controversial incidents—including inmate deaths, concerns over inhumane conditions, and a shortage of mental health resources—the Bibb County Jail is undergoing a significant expansion. The project aims to address longstanding issues inside the jail and improve care for inmates, particularly those with behavioral health needs.

On Thursday morning, local leaders gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of a multimillion-dollar effort to upgrade the facility.

The expansion is planned in three phases. Phase one, already complete, saw the demolition of the James F. Higgins Memorial Complex to make way for new parking.

Phase two, now underway, focuses on renovating the jail’s interior. New housing units designed for inmates with mental health challenges will be added, and River Edge Behavioral Health is partnering with the jail to provide expanded services.

“You’re going to have dedicated space that is warm, welcoming, and inviting for the inmates,” said Cass Hatcher, CEO of River Edge Behavioral Health. “So, when the inmates are being treated, they will basically be able to recover from whatever mental illness that they have.”

Hatcher emphasized that support doesn’t end at the jail doors.

“They can come to River Edge Services. We continue that continual care, so once they are discharged, they don’t just go back into the street. They can come back and help see River Edge to provide additional services,” he said.

Phase three will bring further upgrades, including new housing units, support spaces, group rooms, and maximum-security pods, adding up to 150 beds.

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis said the jail currently houses just over a thousand inmates, and the expansion is designed to improve conditions and eventually reduce the jail population—not increase it.

“We have many more inmates now who have mental health issues,” said Sheriff Davis. “We have many other inmates now who have behavioral and discipline issues too. So, this space that we’re building will help us to deal with those types of inmates, plus give us a little room so that we can go back into the old space and do some renovations there.”

During phase two, some inmates will be temporarily relocated. The entire project is expected to wrap up next year.