Sheriff reports narrow inmate cap to retain certification; county housing and transport pressures noted
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Summary
The sheriff told commissioners the county must keep the workhouse population at or below 52 inmates to maintain certification and access related funding; the jail has been operating with higher counts and the sheriff described ongoing housing and transport challenges.
During miscellaneous business, the sheriff reported that Cocke County has received a "letter of intent to certify" the workhouse but must maintain a maximum population of 52 inmates (44 male, 8 female) to keep that certification. The sheriff said numbers have fluctuated — at times as high as 94 inmates — and that housing pressures require some inmates to be housed in offices or sent to other counties.
"If I go over one inmate between now and Sept. 3, then I lose the certification," the sheriff said in the meeting record, summarizing the challenge of maintaining the facility population below the threshold. The sheriff said if the county maintains the threshold on the inspection date and the 90‑day follow-up remains compliant, the county will begin to generate funding associated with certified operations.
Commissioners asked questions about housing and resources; the sheriff said the court system also affects jail population and that courts have been working to limit incarceration for minor misdemeanor offenses when appropriate.
Ending: Commissioners thanked the sheriff for the update and moved to adjourn after a motion; the sheriff's office will monitor population and report back as required for certification compliance.
