The need for a new Hamilton County Jail is not new, but the facility’s age and space should not keep inmates there from receiving humane treatment.
No one at the jail, not even the worst criminals, should have to go without a bed, shower, toilet paper or toothbrush. Currently, that is the state of things for some at the six-story Walnut Street building because it is over capacity and has been for years, according to a report by Times Free Press reporter Shelly Bradbury.
Sheriff Jim Hammond is aware of conditions there and has been apprising the Hamilton County Commission of the need for some time. A 2013 study found 55 new positions were needed to meet appropriate staffing levels. A 2015 Tennessee Corrections Institute inspection noted the jail did not meet state minimum standards because of low staffing and overcrowding.
Earlier this year, the County Commission voted to seek a private company to build a new jail. But that – the process of locating a spot for and erecting a new building – will take several years.
In the meantime, understaffed jailers say they are doing the best they can by relying on emergency hires, training new corrections officers and getting inmates to beds – and off the first floor, which was designed as a temporary holding area – as soon as possible.