City officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 15 marking the official opening of the new Bay Minette Justice Center. Nestled at 403 D’Olive Street, this state-of-the-art municipal building now serves as the operational hub for both the Bay Minette Police Department and Bay Minette Municipal Court.

The acquisition of the property by the city in 2021 paved the way for groundbreaking in September 2022, concluding in the three-story structure that now graces the city skyline. Bay Minette Mayor Robert A. “Bob” Wills, addressing the attendees during the ceremony, emphasized the pride of Bay Minette in constructing a facility entirely through local efforts.

Designed by Todd Stewart and his firm, Adams Stewart Architects, the Justice Center stands as a testament to local craftsmanship. Stuart Contracting, also based in Bay Minette, undertook the construction process, collaborating with numerous local subcontractors for various aspects of the project, from flooring to electrical work and landscaping. Furthermore, the Baldwin County CIS Department played a crucial role in implementing the necessary technological infrastructure within the building.

A little background

In a strategic move in 2020, Baldwin County undertook the acquisition of the municipal complex, encompassing the former Bay Minette Police Department premises. This acquisition formed part of the county's broader initiative to facilitate the expansion of the county jail. While renovations commenced on other segments of the complex, the Bay Minette Police Department continued its operations within its designated space until the transition to the new Justice Center last month.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Court, previously housed at the same Hoyle Avenue location, had relocated its operations to Bay Minette City Hall several years ago. During the interim period, court proceedings were conducted at the civic center to ensure uninterrupted access to judicial services for the community.

A peek inside

The first floor of the new Justice Center hosts the administrative offices of the Bay Minette Municipal Court, with operational hours from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Additionally, the municipal courtroom is conveniently accessible from the lobby on this floor, overseen by Heather Ford, serving as the Municipal Court Clerk. Residents seeking information or case updates can reach the Municipal Court at (251) 580-2558.

Ascending to the second floor via elevator or staircase during business hours, visitors will find the administrative offices of the Bay Minette Police Department. The third floor is designated to be a versatile training center, facilitating law enforcement education and development initiatives. Furthermore, the facility features dedicated locker and bunk rooms that can be utilized during emergency situations necessitating staff sheltering.

Administrative office hours for the Bay Minette Police Department run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Outside of these hours, individuals requiring on-site police assistance can access the lobby, where a video and audio call box links them directly to dispatchers. For reporting crimes or other police matters, citizens are encouraged to dial (251) 580-2559, a hotline monitored round the clock.