Memphis, Tennessee – November 17, 2025 — The Shelby County Commission has approved a $1 million request from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) to replace 92 deteriorating doors at the men’s jail located at 201 Poplar. These new swinging doors are intended to resolve ongoing security concerns caused by old and malfunctioning sliding doors.
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What Happened at 201 Poplar Jail?
Earlier this year, the SCSO secured $6 million to replace 636 faulty sliding doors that inmates had learned to manipulate, posing serious safety risks. The new $1 million request covers the remaining doors to ensure consistent security throughout the facility. Commissioner Mick Wright confirmed that each replacement door costs approximately $10,900, pushing the total investment in door replacement for 2025 to more than $7 million. The approval came as part of a wider initiative to upgrade outdated jail infrastructure.
Ongoing Improvements and Security Upgrades
Improvements at the 201 Poplar facility are part of a multi-year plan to strengthen safety and modernize the jail. Assistant Chief Jailer George Askew said the door replacement project will take about two more years to complete due to its complexity. The workforce assigned to the upgrades has recently doubled to help speed up progress. The jail, which houses a high number of inmates, has struggled with aging infrastructure, and the unsafe sliding doors have remained one of its biggest challenges.
Financial Impact and Rising Costs
The cost of replacing each door increased from $6,000 to $10,900 due to tariffs implemented during former President Donald Trump’s administration. These tariffs have raised the price of metal materials and construction supplies, significantly impacting the overall cost of the project. Despite the increase, officials believe the investment is necessary to improve security and avoid further risks to inmates and staff.
Conclusion
The Shelby County Commission’s decision to approve the additional $1 million highlights the urgent need to improve safety at the 201 Poplar jail. With more than $7 million spent on door replacements this year alone, county leaders are aiming to eliminate long-standing security issues and modernize one of the region’s most critical detention centers. Further updates will follow as the project continues.