Commission broadens and refers master‑plan RFP for Walter L. Bailey criminal justice center

The Shelby County Commission on Aug. 25 amended and referred back to committee a request to issue an RFP for a master plan to rebuild or relocate the Walter L. Bailey Criminal Justice Center.

Tammy Sawyer, General Sessions Court clerk, told commissioners the intake area is already oversaturated and that processing delays are severe: "The average wait right now is anywhere from 12 hours to 4 days depending on what your charges are," she said, urging the body to plan for processing and technology needs as well as a long‑term site strategy. Commissioners pressed for a broader scope than the original draft — removing language limiting study to county‑owned properties, adding "rebuild or relocate" to the caption and requiring broader stakeholder engagement and more frequent reporting.

Supporters said a countywide study was needed to develop high‑quality renderings, space and cost estimates; critics warned that without clear criteria the RFP could be shaped toward a single favored site. Commissioner Henry E. Brooks, the sponsor, accepted amendments that expanded potential sites and added quarterly reporting; Vice Chair Shontay Avant successfully moved to broaden the scope to "any location in Shelby County." Commissioner Thornton asked that an ad hoc be convened to define programmatic goals and who must weigh in before the RFP is finalized.

Faced with competing community concerns and environmental questions, commissioners did not vote to authorize immediate procurement; instead they referred the amended item to the Law Enforcement, Corrections & Courts Committee for further work and stakeholder input, with a scheduled return to committee on Sept. 17. The referral preserves options — including keeping the facility at 201 Poplar — while the county assembles more technical, financial and community guidance.