When you think of the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, you might not immediately consider the role played by the Transportation Division.

Operating around the clock, this division ensures the safe and secure movement of inmates across Alabama, handling a range of duties that extend far beyond the county's borders.

Capt. Andre' L. Reid Jr., operations commander at the Baldwin County Sheriff's Corrections Center, explained that the division's main duties include transferring inmates to various prisons throughout the state after sentencing, as well as transporting inmates to and from other municipal and county jails, medical appointments, mental health appointments and court appearances.

"Our goal is that each transport is conducted in a safe, secure, timely and professional manner," Reid said. "Members of the Transportation Division are also tasked with providing 24/7 security for inmates who are hospitalized for extended periods because of scheduled medical procedures and emergencies."

In 2023, the division covered 166,966 miles, transported 146 inmates to the Alabama Department of Corrections and managed the movement of 1,319 federal inmates. Additionally, the division facilitated transport for 7,444 video court sessions and juvenile hearings, coordinated 199 medical appointments and completed 138 probate transports.

These numbers show an increase from the previous year. In 2022, the division drove 150,117 miles, facilitated 4,811 court-related transports and completed 99 medical appointments along with 84 probate transports. The only decrease came in the transport of federal inmates, which was 1,454 in 2022.

"We are all aware of our county's growth," Reid told Gulf Coast Media. "The judicial system is catching up to that growth, and a new district and circuit judge are scheduled to take office in January 2025. Another new circuit judge will take office in 2027. These are additional judges that will increase the number of court proceedings."

Reid noted that the Baldwin County Corrections Center is nearing the completion of a 200-bed expansion, and as the jail population increases, every division within the facility, including the Transportation Division, will be affected.

"There is no question that the demand for transporting inmates will increase in the coming years," Reid said.

However, he remains confident in his team's ability to adapt for the future.

"Technology has played a large role in increasing our efficiency and assisting our employees with scheduling and tracking inmates and data," he said. "All our employees look forward to the future, supporting our agency's mission by doing our part to maintain a safe and secure facility."