Wayne County Criminal Justice Center officially opens

DETROIT – The Wayne County Criminal Justice Center in Detroit has officially opened after 13 years and a cost of over half a billion dollars.

Background: Here’s an inside look at Wayne County’s new Criminal Justice Center

The first official business got underway at the new building Tuesday, Sept. 3.

It consolidates the 3rd District Court, Juvenile Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and a new county jail -- which were previously spread across different locations. It can house roughly 2,500 inmates.

Sheriff R. Washington said the new building features improved safety and a user-friendly environment and that families who had concerns about conditions in the old jail are expected to find the new center more secure.