Shelby County Jail expansion creates a need for staff hiring ahead of completion

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - After more than two decades as a state-of-the-art facility, the Shelby County Jail is undergoing a major expansion — not just to increase space, but to prioritize mental health care and long-term rehabilitation.

County leaders say the project addresses a growing need to better support the jail’s population, many of whom struggle with untreated mental health conditions.

The jail expansion is happening in two phases. The first phase is expected to be completed by July, with inmates moving into the new section as early as August.

The expansion will add 44 new beds, split between mental health and medical care units, marking a shift in how the jail addresses inmate needs.

“If we’re not planning for the future, we’ll end up having to play a game of catch-up,” said Chief Deputy Clay Hammac. “So that’s what we’re doing here.”

Jail leaders say the new space is designed to treat root causes of crime rather than simply detaining offenders.

“A lot of crime actually stems from mental health issues,” said Jail Commander Captain Denver McCool. “Substance abuse, too. And all of that ends up in our jail at some point.”

The goal, officials say, is to give inmates the care they need so that once they leave the facility, they don’t come back.

With the expansion nearing completion, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is already recruiting nine new jail deputies.

They say hiring early will give them time to find and train qualified candidates who are ready to serve the community.

“This job is about care, custody, and control,” said Deputy John Dunn, who started in corrections before transitioning to patrol. “It’s life-changing for you and for those you’re helping.”

The jail does not require prior experience for new hires, and the minimum age to apply is now 18.

“I’ve always said the next jail deputy doesn’t know they’re going to be a jail deputy yet,” McCool said. “Come try it. I really think you’re going to like it.”

After the new section opens, phase two of the project will begin — repurposing and upgrading the existing structure to expand medical care inside the jail.

In addition to hiring jail deputies, the sheriff’s office currently has five open positions for patrol deputies as well.

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