The City of Houston Joint Processing Center consolidates all intake operations for the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office into a 246,000-square-foot facility.

Client
Harris County and City of Houston
Construction Delivery
CMAR
PGAL Scope
Full Architectural Services, Interior Design, Master Planning, Programming
Completion Date
2018
Sustainability Achievement
LEED Certified
Harris County – City of Houston Joint Processing Center

Designed to serve one of the nation’s largest jail systems, it processes up to 900 individuals daily while streamlining collaboration between city and county agencies.

The three-story building includes a full basement and connects to nearby jail facilities via a 600-foot underground tunnel. It supports short-term detention, medical evaluation, and intake functions with a 552-bed assessment level, clinic, and open waiting areas that improve flow and visibility.

Key features include DUI processing, booking stations, AFIS, evidence storage, health services, and interview rooms. On-site judicial access is provided by one municipal courtroom and two probable cause courtrooms, reducing transfer time and improving coordination.

Harris County - Joint County, City Processing Center
A secure sally port accommodates 48 vehicles.
Harris County - Joint County, City Processing Center
Harris County - Joint County, City Processing Center

Diversion and reentry spaces connect eligible individuals to services such as the Neuropsychiatric Center, Sobering Center, and community-based support for housing, employment, and recovery.

Harris County - Joint County, City Processing Center
Rendering
Harris County - Joint County, City Processing Center
Final Design