The Bradley County Jail can maintain its certification under Sheriff Steve Lawson’s plan of action, the Tennessee Corrections Institute’s Board of Control decided at its quarterly meeting Wednesday.
In June, several deficiencies were noted in a state inspection of the jail, most of which were caused by consistent inmate overcrowding and staff shortages, according to TCI.
In a news release, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office reported that the jail had been re-inspected by TCI on Aug. 15. The inspection revealed corrections had been made in most areas within the allotted 60 days. The others would need more time, as they needed to go through the county’s bid process.
Repairs for inmate showers and water fountains “began immediately following the [June] inspection,” the release states, at which time water coolers were ordered and the bid process began for the showers.
Lawson told the board that water coolers are scheduled for installation on Thursday, according to the release, and the bid selection for the shower upgrades was completed on Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office is now waiting on a date to be set for installation, a process that will not exceed 30 days, the release states.
The board came to a full agreement in supporting the sheriff’s plan of action and granted the Bradley County Jail its certification under the plan.