PIKEVILLE – It has no doubt been a difficult year for all Tennesseans. From devastating storms in March to the arrival of the novel coronavirus, our normal way of life continues to be impacted. In a time when people in need are having to rely on their communities more than ever, help is coming from an unlikely source: inmates at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex (BCCX).

NASHVILLE – Due to an increase in active COVID-19 cases in the community, the Department of Correction has suspended visitation at four TDOC facilities until further notice.

NASHVILLE – You never know when you’ll have to save a life. For a Tennessee Department of Correction Probation/Parole Officer, the life-saving skills he learned at the Tennessee Correction Academy were put to the test recently.

HENNING - An investigation that began in late October has resulted in the arrest of a contract employee on charges of introduction of contraband into the West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP).

NASHVILLE – On August 6, 2020, Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order No. 56 renaming the Tennessee Prison for Women as the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center (DJRC) in honor of the TDOC Correctional Administrator who was killed in the line of duty one year ago. On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, the TDOC will unveil a memorial plaque and signage recognizing the name change.

Members of a special unit at the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) were honored this week. Staff at the facility paused to give thanks to the military veterans housed at the NWCX Site 2 Veterans Unit.

DYERSBURG – Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) is leading the way toward education in prisons with new classes beginning this fall and winter. The college is gearing up to begin a third cohort consisting of 25 incarcerated students at the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) in January 2021.

NASHVILLE – In accordance with state law, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is now accepting applications from recognized Tennessee news organizations to serve as statutorily required witnesses for the scheduled execution of death row inmate Pervis Payne #00121163.

JACKSON – A special agent with the Tennessee Department of Correction Office of Investigations and Conduct is in stable condition after sustaining gunshot wounds while approaching the residence of a wanted fugitive Monday evening.

NASHVILLE – To enhance the safety of Tennessee children, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) visited the homes of more than 3,800 sex offenders during the Halloween season.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is responsible for the supervision of more than 3,800 registered sex offenders. TDOC’s mission is to enhance public safety for all Tennesseans including our most vulnerable citizens – our children.

PIKEVILLE – The Department of Correction will resume visitation for inmates at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex beginning next weekend. The facility will be on a modified visitation schedule beginning October 17.

HENNING – The Tennessee Department of Correction’s Office of Investigations and Conduct (OIC) has helped to secure the federal indictment of a notorious gang leader.

MOUNTAIN CITY – A former employee of the Northeast Correctional Complex (NECX) has been arrested after trying to bring drugs into the facility.

NASHVILLE – Death row inmate Marlon Kiser has passed away of apparent natural causes. Kiser, 50, was pronounced deceased at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution at 11:57pm Wednesday, September 30.