Grand Jury recommends major improvements at Bibb County jail after inspection
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Bibb County Grand Jury is recommending major upgrades at the county jail after inspecting the facility in May and raising concerns about overcrowding, broken infrastructure and inmate safety.
According to the June 11 filing, the jury toured the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center on May 27 and presented its observations and recommendations in a three-page report addressed to Chief Judge Philip T. Raymond III.
The jury reported drainage issues, broken locks and overcrowding in multiple cell blocks. In the B200 block, jurors said they saw outdated door controls, inadequate lighting and pools of unknown liquid on the floor. In the C200 block, they said the lack of mats and blankets for inmates was “disgusting and inhumane.”
Other areas also raised concerns. In the west control room, the jury said broken windows and poor lighting created safety issues. In the J-K blocks, jurors noted loose stairs and overcrowding, with mats and cots spilling into the common area. In the infirmary, the jury observed a need for more medical space and pointed out a sanitation problem “evidenced by the lingering smell of urine.”
The report includes five recommendations:
- Build a new annex to replace the older part of the jail.
- Hire more staff for the sheriff’s office.
- Expand space for medical treatment.
- Increase funding for equipment and maintenance.
- Increase inmate access to daylight to support mental health.
The grand jury presentment thanked District Attorney Anita Howard for coordinating the visit and also thanked the sheriff’s office.
“We would like to commend Sheriff David Davis and Col. Chris Patterson for their transparency during this Grand Jury’s inspection of the jail,” the document said.
These findings follow a
string of fatal incidents inside the jail and growing calls for reform
. In recent months, inmate Brelee Johnson was stabbed to death, and 62-year-old George Oliver Crafter died in custody. In April, another inmate was severely burned with scalding water. The jail also drew national attention in 2023 when four inmates escaped and triggered a manhunt.
In response,
Macon-Bibb Mayor Lester Miller recently announced new initiatives
, including a 30-day audit to release 150 nonviolent inmates with ankle monitors. Miller said this would reduce jail crowding and save millions in tax dollars annually. He also launched the Macon InReach Program to help inmates with housing, treatment and job support before release.
