In just over a month, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office will take over a local prison that’s been privately run since it was built nearly three decades ago. Under pressure from councilmembers and activists, CoreCivic decided to cut its contract short. Now, the sheriff is scrambling to get ready for some major changes.
COVID-19 Deaths Rising In Tennessee Prisons
Two Tennessee prisoners who tested positive for COVID-19 have died this week, bringing the state’s total number of incarcerated deaths since the start of the pandemic to eight.
Most Tennessee Prisons Have Been Touched By COVID-19, New Testing Shows
Nearly every prison in Tennessee has at least one confirmed case of the coronavirus, according to new results from statewide mass testing that occurred last week. Overall, about 2,500 inmates have tested positive since the Tennessee Department of Correction reported its first case in April. Three have died.
Investigation: How The Coronavirus Ran Rampant Through A Tennessee Prison
About 600 inmates and staff have since tested positive for the virus, making the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex one of the largest hotspots in the country.
Tennessee Lawmakers Say They Want Better Answers To Scathing Prison Audit
Listen Tennessee lawmakers blasted the state Department of Correction at a meeting on Wednesday, the day after an audit found numerous violations in the state’s prisons.
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