KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is working with the Knox County Commission to determine who will assume control of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center, following recent staffing controversies at the facility.
The discussion comes after two employees at the detention center were fired for reporting operational issues to state authorities. The employees have since been rehired, and Bean was asked to step down from his leadership role.
State lawmakers have weighed in on the situation, with many expressing support for transferring management of the center to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). State Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knox County) voiced confidence in the sheriff’s department, highlighting its capacity to lead with compassion and improved oversight.
“I have a tremendous amount of confidence in the Knox County Sheriff’s Department and our sheriff, and I’m sure they would still have to bring in some other expertise, which they would do,” Briggs said. “Sheriff Tommy Spangler has shown that he can serve with compassion and he can get it done right and there won’t be these lapses in record keeping. He’ll bring in the right people to do the job.”
Mayor Jacobs echoed those sentiments, indicating he would like to see the sheriff’s office take over operations at the detention center.
As officials continue discussions, the future leadership of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center remains a key issue for Knox County, amid efforts to ensure better management and oversight.
