ST. LOUIS — More than a year after riots at the St. Louis Justice Center officials Wednesday morning showed off the new safety upgrades. The safety measures come after multiple security breaches took place last year where dozens of inmates got out of their cells, broke windows and set fires, among other things.

The third floor had the latest safety measures installed, including a sally port gated area, a guard station in a higher location, a mezzanine in the rec room that connects one guard station to another in the next unit, as well as new locks and doors on the cells, and a new locking technology system.

The fourth floor will get the same safety measures. There will also be upgrades on two other floors. The city recently passed a bill allowing $86 million for several infrastructure projects, including the upgrades at the St. Louis Justice Center.

So far, only the third floor of the project has been completed. 

St. Louis Corrections Commissioner Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah said she hopes the upgrades will provide a safer environment and a better overall look for the city.

“With us taking these necessary steps, I know ‌that the staff will feel safe,” she said. “I really hope that the citizens of St. Louis will see that.” 

Due to supply chain issues, Clemons-Abdullah said there is no expected date when the renovations will be done. 

“It’s been a challenge, but a good challenge,” she said.

Last August, approximately 120 inmates were transported back to the old city jail, known as the workhouse, less than two months after it closed.

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones had worked to close the old city jail, citing its unsanitary and inhumane conditions. However, critics had warned that the new City Justice Center had inadequate safety features, was understaffed and could not yet handle the full load of inmates, and it would become overcrowded. 

The AP contributed to this report.