Media contact:  
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – County Executive Chris Ronayne today announced plans to reimagine Cuyahoga County’s jail and justice facilities.

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to make intentional changes to our justice system,” said Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive. “We need to act with deliberate speed so that all of our justice facilities are safe, effective, humane and affordable for our community.”

Since taking office the administration has explored renovation options with the current corrections facility and has made the determination that the current corrections center is challenging to maintain as a long-term solution for detention. The administration launched an expansive site selection process to find sites of appropriate scale to house a modern jail campus that conforms to today’s best practices. The selection process has narrowed from dozens of potential sites to a short list of appropriate sites that are being vetted in partnership with County Council.

The County will also soon announce a Request for Proposals to evaluate the Cuyahoga County Courthouse and the current Justice Center Complex and will engage Judges, the County Prosecutor, the Public Defender, the City of Cleveland and others in discussions about that facility. As a part of that process the County will evaluate maintaining and improving the current Justice Center Complex and will also explore possible options in Downtown Cleveland for relocation.

In addition to the site selection process for the jail facility, the administration is moving forward with key, necessary physical updates to the current jail so it can be operated safely while a new corrections center is being vetted.

Finally, the administration will soon post a new position, the Justice Expeditor, that will work with Judges, the County Prosecutor, the Public Defender, community resources, and jail administrators to connect those in detention with appropriate resources and to identify those who might be eligible for release with low bonds or who may be able to be relocated safely to other facilities. The goal of this position will be to help lower the jail population and ensure that individuals with serious medical and mental health issues are in the best location for treatment.