Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Cocke County Corrections Partnership
The Cocke County Corrections Partnership was scheduled to meet Monday evening but because of a lack of a quorum, no business could be conducted. Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger reported that another re-inspection of the jail will be required because of recent findings. Sheriff Armando Fontes talked about the problems that were identified including infractions on the part of a jail nurse who has been terminated. "We've also begun an investigation into some of her conduct which is on-going and I cannot elaborate on," he told the committee. In addition, the inspectors were critical of some of the jailers training, but Fontes said the high turn-over rate for jailers makes it difficult to keep all employees trained. Still he expects the facility to be re-certified when it is re-inspected. Mayor Ottinger said the old jail will never be certified however it has liability issues as well including non-compliance of ADA standards, and there are fire safety and privacy issues. She said moving cases faster would alleviate jail overcrowding, pointing out that 63 percent of inmates are awaiting a resolution of their case. In juvenile cases the courtroom must be cleared except for the parties involved in the case, meaning the courthouse hallways are in violation of fire codes. Chair Robert Green suggested the court system move to adding a night court, but that would require additional, judges, clerks, bailiffs etc. Currently court often lasts into the evening hours. A recent study did suggest that the community consider alternatives to incarceration in an effort to reduce the jail over-crowding. The report suggested more community based substance abuse treatment as well as better mental health treatment for inmates, so the recidivism rate could be reduced. Providing education and job assistance services to defendants as an alternative to jail also is recommended.


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