Tenn. To Release Inmates Early To Save Money

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State lawmakers plan to release more than 2,000 prison inmates two months early to save $5.7 million over the next year.

The Tennessee Department of Correction will merge prison rehabilitation programs, allowing more inmates who complete those programs to shave 60 days off their sentences. Inmates who committed violent and nonviolent offenses could be eligible for early release.

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Overcrowding Issues Lead to Tennessee Inmate Transfer

STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. — Female inmates in the Stewart County Jail in Dover, Tenn., are now being housed in another facility in nearby Henry County due to the jail losing its certification from the state.
 
A recent inspection by the Tennessee Corrections Institute turned up several areas that must be changed in order for the jail to remain certified. An uncertified jail is not allowed to operate.

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Southern Health Announces Promotions

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Southern Health Partners Inc., a correctional healthcare provider based in Chattanooga, promoted several members of its management team to senior company officer positions.
 
SHP, which provides medical, mental health and dental care to county jail inmates in 12 states, named Jennifer Hairsine president and CEO. Hairsine, who previously served as executive vice president, has been with the company since it was created in 1994.

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CCA Halts Construction of 2,040-bed Tennessee Facility

HARTSVILLE, Tenn. — Corrections Corporation of America announced the suspension of work on the new $143 million correctional facility in Trousdale County that would have created more than 2,000 new beds.

CCA halted construction of the 2,040-bed Trousdale project, which was scheduled for completion during the fourth quarter of 2009, amid uncertainty over the demand for additional bed space, according to the company.

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