TN Corrections Institute

Who Is TCI?

The Tennessee Corrections Institute provides technical assistance to facilities which includes the fourteen (14) areas of jail inspections as listed in the Minimum Standards. These areas comprise the scope of required expertise of the facility specialists. The goal is to aid specific facility management in meeting the requirements of the standards in question. However, in any circumstance which calls for additional expertise, the staff of the Tennessee Corrections Institute will request the assistance of the National Institute of Corrections, The American Correctional Association, the National Sheriffs' Association, or any other agency within national, state, or local government which may supply the agency or their personnel with any additional help.

Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI), under the authority of T.C.A. 41-4-140, is required to establish minimum standards for adult local jails, lock-ups, workhouses, and detention facilities in the state. The agency's Board of Control establishes the standards to inspect and certify local correctional facilities. Inspections and re-inspections are conducted within the mandated timeframe to ensure compliance of all standards for the purpose of certification. The Tennessee Corrections Institute is responsible for educating local correctional staff while providing and monitoring basic certification and annual in-service training for personnel within local adult correctional detention facilities. The Tennessee Corrections Institute provides technical assistance and conducts research in relation to requests from local correctional detention facilities, the TN legislature, and other state agencies. The Tennessee Corrections Institute Board of Control is authorized under the authority of T.C.A. 41-7-106 (f) to grant pre-employment waivers to correctional officers in local adult correctional facilities.

Customer Focused

Since our establishment in 1974, the Tennessee Corrections Institute continues to cultivate an environment of professionalism and safety within the corrections profession. The Board of Control works diligently to certify local adult detention facilities to ensure compliance with state minimum jail standards, while increasing the safety and security of corrections officers and incarcerated individuals.   
Our highly trained personnel utilize a thorough inspection process which promotes best correctional practices that maximize the safety of the community, staff, volunteers, and offenders. These standards also work toward holding offenders accountable and improving the likelihood of choosing responsible, law-abiding behavior upon release.
Our specialized training courses and technical assistance provide opportunities for organizational and professional growth that enhance our services. We have the unique ability to work with correctional facility personnel toward the implementation of a strategic process that leads to improved organizational structure, management practices, and program planning that support a mission and vision consistent with available resources.