County Corrections Partnership Initiative
“Partnering with stakeholders to improve the local correctional environment through awareness and education.”
Dekalb County Commissioners along with Bob Bass and Chief Stephanie Harding, toured the Smith County jail on March 19, 2025. The tour gave the commissioners valuable insight to help them with the design of a new jail. This is just one of the many services provided by the County Corrections Partnership. Thank you to Sheriff Hopper of Smith County and his staff for hosting this tour!
What is County Corrections Partnership (CCP)?
· A voluntary initiative developed by TCI to assist in measures to address jail issues and reform.
· A program designed to create a path to certification for detention facilities facing decertification or have been decertified.
· An educational based program which provides all stakeholders with an opportunity to make educated and informed decisions about their local adult detention facility.
Strategies of the CCP
· Initiate an partnership with all stakeholders and local government officials in order to immediately identify problems the local detention facility is facing.
· Structure an advance delivery system of technical and compliance support in relation to problems facing the local facility.
· Educate all stakeholders on current issues the facility is facing, legal ramifications of inaction and methods of resolving current facility problems.
· Formulating a plan to address immediate and future needs of the facility while not ignoring current problems.
· Frame a path to address retaining or regaining certification of the local adult correctional facility.
Benefits of the CCP
· The program eliminates unnecessary expenditures, time and duplication among agency personnel and county administrative staff.
· Provides major stakeholders multiple avenues to communicate, participate and support each other within the local setting.
· Provides education and awareness regarding jail operations, problems the local facility is facing and methods in addressing facility problems.
Programs provided in the CCP
· Snapshot Analysis - Program designed to provide insight into the current facility operations, inmate population, and community data.
· J.A.I.L. - This program provides education regarding Jail Standards, Administration, Inmate Concerns and Liability.
· Crisis Management - Program designed to manage current jail operations while faced with a multitude of problems.
· Transition - Program that assist Jail Officials, personnel and stakeholders through the process of transitioning into a new facility.
Who are the stakeholders in the CCP?
· Sheriffs
· County Mayors
· Police Chiefs
· Legislators
· Government Officials
· Public
Partners
CTAS, MTAS, TN Sheriff’s Association, TN County Services Association, Association of County Mayors, and Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police