A month after state inspectors flunked the Bradley County Jail because of inmates crammed into cells and sleeping on floors, the jail has passed its re-inspection, according to a news release from the Bradley County Sheriffs’ Office.
Inspectors in February found 40 or more people crammed into holding cells in the booking area without uniforms, hygiene supplies or bedding. They found overcrowded cells, broken sinks, toilets and showers, and a leaking roof in a cell area when they inspected on Feb. 22, despite the opening of a 100-bed workhouse and thousands of dollars spent to repair and clean up the jail last summer.
However, the inspectors found improved conditions Tuesday and told Sheriff Eric Watson in an exit interview the jail would retain its certification from the Tennessee Department of Correction, according to a news release from Communications Director James E. Bradford Jr.
After the jail failed its February inspection, the sheriff’s office said maintenance is a constant problem because the inmates are constantly tearing the place up.
Bradford said the sheriff’s office plans to put stainless steel inside every shower, as recommended by the correction department. The money will come from already-budgeted funds, he said.
Sheriff Watson said in the release, “The operation of a county jail is a complex task performed by our agency’s correctional staff. Bradley County Sheriff’s Office passing its fourth consecutive inspection only compliments the quality of our Corrections and Support Services Divisions who work diligently and tirelessly inside the Correctional Facility. While there is a problem such as overcrowding which is common across the state, our employees work hard to ensure a safe and secure operation.”