Monroe County approves $4.49 million grant to expand evidence-based jail training programs

Monroe County commissioners on Sept. 24 approved an amendment to the sheriff’s department budget to recognize a $4,492,882 grant intended to fund evidence‑based inmate programming.

An unidentified county presenter described the grant as covering vocational and education training for inmates — including HVAC, welding and GED coursework — and said the county’s facility recently attained a tier‑1 designation. "Our jail is being taught and trained statewide as the model of how the jail management and programs" the presenter said, adding that staff and program leads have traveled to conferences to train other jail administrators.

The resolution (O924‑6D) was moved and seconded and then approved by roll call. The clerk read names during the roll; multiple members responded "Aye," and the chair announced the item carried.

County officials characterized the award as both a funding mechanism for local training programs and an opportunity to position Monroe County as a training site for other jurisdictions. The presenter identified Tennessee Correctional Institute (TCI) and "Dr. Santos" as partners or trainers involved with the program.

Next steps noted in the meeting: the budget will be amended to record the grant, and program staff will continue implementation activities and training coordination. The materials attached to the agenda, as discussed at the meeting, list the grant amount and program purpose; no additional breakdown of how the $4,492,882 will be allocated across specific line items was provided during the hearing.