WPLN criminal justice reporter Samantha Max sat down with This is Nashville host Khalil Ekulona to unpack the so-called “truth in sentencing” bill.
Tennessee’s prison commissioner is sounding the alarm on major staffing shortages
The pandemic has only exacerbated the state’s yearslong staffing shortage at its prisons — and the dangers it can cause behind bars. To remedy the issue, the outgoing corrections commissioner is urging the legislature to boost pay.
Tennessee’s Top Prison Official To Leave State Government
The head of Tennessee’s prison system is leaving state government. Tony Parker announced his retirement Tuesday, effective this fall.
NAACP Sues Tennessee Over ‘Unequal’ Voting Rights Restoration For People With Felony Convictions
The NAACP has sued the state of Tennessee to challenge its voting laws. They argue it’s too difficult for residents who have been convicted of a felony to get their voting rights back.
COVID-19 Amplifies Dire Staffing Shortages At Tennessee Prisons
The head of Tennessee’s prison system says the number of unfilled correctional officer positions has reached an “all-time high.” Many facilities were already severely understaffed. Now, officials say the pandemic has made recruitment even harder.
Coronavirus Is Spreading In Tennessee Prisons — But Most Inmates Have Yet To Be Tested
Prisons have become the latest hot spot for the coronavirus in Tennessee. Officials announced Monday that more than 170 positive results have been confirmed at four correctional facilities. But only a fraction of the prison population is being tested.
Responding To Harsh Audit, Tennessee Prisons Propose Move To Electronic Medical Records
The Tennessee Department of Correction has identified technology to solve many of the issues found by the State Comptroller. The report released Friday has 18 negative findings questioning prison management.
A Year After State Audit, Lawmakers Question Whether A Middle Tennessee Prison Has Improved
Listen State lawmakers once again questioned Correction officials about the conditions of Tennessee’s largest prison. A year ago, a state audit found that Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Hartsville was understaffed and mishandling complaints by inmates.
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