The reign of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) over the local Youth Justice and Education Center is set to end this year, with operations transitioning to the Shelby County Juvenile Court, officials say. Sheriff Floyd Bonner has announced his intention to shift control of the youth detention center back to the hands of the Juvenile Court by December 31. Citing the non-mandatory nature of the SCSO's supervision of the facility, the Sheriff's decision aims to redirect staff resources to bolster security at adult jails, FOX13 Investigates reported.

In a letter to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, Bonner explained that, "I am required by law to operate the Jail and Jail East, I am not required to operate the Youth Center and need the staff assigned there to increase security and safety at the adult facilities." Despite the agreed-upon date for withdrawal, juvenile court Judge Tarik Sugarmon believes the transition will stretch beyond the end of the year. Sugarmon told Action News 5 that their office has been critiqued for the center's current state, including the lack of in-person visitation, and seeks to improve the incarceration experience and rehabilitation of the youth with the takeover, insisting on a comprehensive approach for the vulnerable young lives caught in the justice system.

However, there seems to be a disagreement regarding the timing of the transition. While Bonner is adamant about the year-end handoff, Judge Sugarmon has expressed doubts, telling WREG, "We are committed to working closely with the Sheriff’s Department to chart the way forward. However, given the intricate nature of the transition process, we do not anticipate its completion in 2024.” Bonner, in response, has assured Sugarmon that SCSO will not withdraw its personnel abruptly, pledging to provide continuous assistance until Juvenile Court is ready to assume full responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Youth Justice and Education Center, hailed by Bonner for having "proper classroom space, a proper gym, and outdoor space," remains underused, according to Sugarmon who noted in his communication with Action News 5 that facilities like the full culinary kitchen and computer lab are sitting idle. Staffing difficulties were partially blamed by Bonner for these deficiencies. As the dialogue continues over the details of the transition, the financial impact this shift will have on Shelby County taxpayers hasn't been disclosed.