The Jackson County Legislature has voted to begin construction on the new Jackson County Detention Center, after some delay following concerns from some around financing. The project that will provide jobs for union members and improved justice solutions for the County and potentially other municipalities in the region. The existing facilities in the area are in horrible condition.
The Legislature also agreed earlier this month to borrow up to $262 million for the project. The project will cost more than that, but the rest of the costs will be covered by county revenue and proceeds from interest earned on the borrowed money.

The two Kansas City, Missouri-based general contractors on the project, JE Dunn Construction and Axiom Construction Group, expect to complete construction of the over $300 million facility in the second half of 2025, according to a project presentation shown to the Jackson County Legislature.

Kansas City, MO, Others May Join The Project

The possibility for Kansas City,MO to join the project is still open, with Councilman Kevin O’Neill and Councilwoman Andrea Bough leading efforts to enter into a deal with Jackson County that could save the city tens of millions of dollars. Both Bough and O’Neill are strong supporters of union labor.

Until recently, the city had contracted with Jackson County to hold detainees. That arrangement stopped when costs increased at the county. The city currently sends people to Johnson and Vernon counties in Missouri, but has been exploring options to build a new separate facility. Building the facility with Jackson County would save taxpayers millions of dollars according to Councilman O’Neill.

A Kansas City Municipal Court study says the city needs a facility to hold non-violent offenders who are accused of smaller, municipal offenses and who usually are held from one day to 53 days. Men held in the county detention center are often charged with violent crimes and people facing felony charges are held there for an average of 226 days, the study says.

Here is what Jackson County had to say about the possibility, with Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. and Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté have issuing the following statement in support of a joint detention center solution with the City of Kansas City, Missouri:

“We have recently been made aware that city staff will be recommending to Mayor Lucas and City Council the approval of an option that would provide an opportunity for a joint detention center. Indicated as “Option 3” in the County Options for a Joint Jackson County/KCMO Facility report, this option consists of independent detention facilities at the same location, with shared services.

“At the request of the County Legislature, this option was studied in November 2022 by the county’s detention center consultants, who determined it to be the most logical and beneficial option to the County that would not significantly slow down our construction process nor increase costs.

“We are encouraged by these recent developments as it relates to the possibility of co-locating detention
facilities with shared services at our project location on U.S. Highway 40. While nothing is finalized and any agreement must be approved by the County Legislature and City Council, we remain confident that this step is a significant building block for long-term collaboration that benefits the County,City and most importantly, residents.”

Justice With Dignity

Some individuals, particularly those who have had negative experiences with the justice system, have expressed concern around making sure the new facility offers programming to prevent relapse. According to a statement on the project fact sheet, this project will attempt to focus on “Justice With Dignity”:

“In order to provide for the public safety of the citizens of Jackson County, it is sometimes necessary to detain and house those who may harm themselves or others in the County Detention Center. Most of these individuals are awaiting trial, sentencing, or, if sentenced, incarceration at state institutions.

Jackson County will meet the community’s needs by planning and building a detention center that is safe, secure, efficient to operate, and incorporates thoughtfully designed long-term solutions for the Jackson County Justice System.

One of the key elements of planning, building, and operating a detention center, is respecting the dignity of detained individuals. To accomplish this, the facility will provide evidence-based treatment and training opportunities that address the needs of the individual and the underlying causes of criminal behavior.”

“Overcrowding and deteriorating facilities require the need for an upgraded Jackson County Detention Center. With a new facility comes a new approach. Jackson County has established a multi-phase plan to support the planning, design, construction, and activation of a new detention center facility for its citizens.

“The new facility will institute best management practices, and a better environment for detainees, visitors, and employees. It will include educational resources and social services programs—all aimed at making our community safer by reducing relapse into criminal behavior and encouraging all to become productive members of society.”