Trousdale Turner Correctional Center under investigation
HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — An investigation has opened up on the conditions at Tennessee’s largest correctional facility in Hartsville.
The Justice Department announced their investigation into the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center August 20, 2024 after reviewing public information and information from stakeholders.
Trousdale Turner is a operated by a private correctional management company named, CoreCivic.
There has been significant justification in opening this investigation such as state audits that flagged dangerous safety conditions and “dangerous” understaffing since first opening in 2016.
The Justice Department plans to use this investigation to examine if Tennessee protects the inmates at Trousdale Turner from harm such as physical violence and sexual abuse.
“Publicly available information suggests that Trousdale Turner has been plagued by serious problems since it first opened its doors. This includes reports of staffing shortages, physical and sexual assaults, murders, and a 188% turnover rate among prison guards just last year. Although CoreCivic owns and operates Trousdale, the State of Tennessee is ultimately responsible for the safety of the people incarcerated there. This investigation seeks to determine whether Tennessee is meeting its constitutional obligations,” said Henry C. Leventis, United States Attorney.
State officials have been notified of the investigation by The Justice Department.
The department has also affirmed they will work jointly with the state to conduct this investigation, and to come up with solutions to any uncovered problems.
