Serving Mentally Ill Inmates
Each year an increasing number of mentally ill inmates enter Davidson
County jails. This situation was met head-on by appointing a mental health
task force to find ways to better meet the needs of this growing population.
The task force has developed a releasing plan to help mentally ill inmates
return to society better prepared to deal with their illnesses, in that one
aspect of care now involves networking with the Middle Tennessee Mental
Health Institute and the Mental Health Co-op.
The Sheriff's Office has also sponsored training to help deal with this
important problem. Officers who work with the mentally ill are specially
trained to deal with those inmates' specific problems. It takes a special
individual to work with this population. Recently, the Nashville Chapter of
the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) chose Sheriff Daron Hall
as the 2005 Ambassador of Hope. He is recognized for being an advocate for
the mentally ill.
Special Operations Response Team
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Response Team
("SORT") was developed in May 1995, to respond to institutional
disturbances. Twenty Sheriff's Deputies are on call 24 hours a day to
respond to emergencies such as hostage situations, riots, violent protests,
or escapes. The team receives in-depth training each month on various topics
to help them perform their specialized duties.
SORT is also available to assist the Metro Emergency Management Agency,
Metro Police Department and federal agencies if necessary. Over the years,
SORT has played an integral part in searching for missing persons. SORT is
also prepared to assist the Metro Nashville Police Department during massive
arrests, natural disasters, or other times of special need.
Managing Gangs in Jail
Gang membership creates a problem when housing inmates. To help manage
this challenge, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office makes classification of
inmates a priority to ensure the safety and security of facilities.
Additionally, modules on gang recognition and management are included in
officers' in-service classes.
Enhancing Security
Experience proves that one of the most popular ways to bring contraband
into a jail is through packages for inmates. The Davidson County Sheriff's
Office stopped that method in its tracks by completely eliminating the
practice.
Everything an inmate needs is provided by a commissary. Inmates place an
order once a week for items they need, and staff members bring the supplies
directly to each cell. All necessary items are provided for indigent inmates
by the Sheriff's Office.
In past years, DCSO employed a full-time officer to search packages as they
came into the facility. These staff hours can now be used more productively.
Inmates are allowed to view only stations offering news, educational
programming, or religious services. Accentuating the positive contributes to
the overall stability and security of the jail.
Return to the
Facilities Information page.
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