NASHVILLE, Tenn. – To the naked eye, Demetrius Dotson looks like any other graduate. With a royal blue cap and gown, complete with a silver 2023 emblem dangling from the tassel - his state issued prison blue uniform is hardly noticeable. But Demetrius’ journey is far from average.

MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. – Officers and staff gathered in the visitation gallery at Northeast Correctional Complex (NECX) earlier this weekend for a special Memorial Day Ceremony to recognize and honor Gold Star father and Correctional Officer Orlando Gonzalez, whose son was killed while serving in the War on Terror.

HENNING, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) celebrated the college graduation of twenty incarcerated men and women across West Tennessee last week who earned their Associate Degrees in Business Administration from Dyersburg State Community College.

NASHVILLE – More than 100 inmates who could be released from Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) custody in the next few months spent the day preparing for their life after prison.

HENNING – The impact of substance use on children was the focus of a recent program at TDOC’s Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) in Henning.

NASHVILLE – The last time these men and women were in a courtroom, they were about to be sent to prison. Instead, they were given a second chance to turn their lives around.

TIPTONVILLE – In celebration of Black History Month, the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) in Tiptonville held an informational program for incarcerated men. The annual event was a chance to educate the men about the history of successful African Americans and the importance of cultural diversity.

MEMPHIS – Nine men at the Mark Luttrell Transition Center (MLTC) in Memphis welcomed their daughters to the facility for a special Valentine's Day visitation earlier this week.

NASHVILLE – Two members of the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) Strike Force team were recognized for their heroic action after saving the life of a correctional officer at the DeBerry Special Needs Facility (DSNF) earlier this month.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is now accepting applications for the Citizens Correctional Academy, a five-week program designed to give Tennesseans an in-depth look at the state’s largest law enforcement agency.

NASHVILLE – Death row inmate James Dellinger has passed away of apparent natural causes. Dellinger, 71, was pronounced deceased at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution at 11:58 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023.

NASHVILLE – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Frank Strada to serve as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), effective January 9.

NASHVILLE – Beginning January 2023, the Tennessee Department of Correction will require every person entering a TDOC prison to be screened by a full body scanner.

NASHVILLE– Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) staff from across the middle region of the state collected donations for nonprofits and local organizations to spread cheer this holiday season.

HENNING – Over two dozen women at the Women's Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) in Henning were treated to a winter wonderland-themed visitation event aimed at reunifying mothers and children during the holiday season.