White County Jail receives Tier 1 certification

Information courtesy of Sheriff Steve Page

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From White County Sheriff's Office:

We are delighted to announce a significant achievement for the White County Jail: the attainment of Tier 1 Certification from the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI). This certification recognizes our facility's dedication to exceeding state standards in both inmate rehabilitation efforts and overall facility operations.

Tier 1 Certification is a voluntary accreditation that signifies a correctional facility's commitment to meeting a set of enhanced standards that go beyond the basic requirements of annual inspections. These standards emphasize the implementation of evidence-based programs focused on reducing recidivism and facilitating the successful reintegration of inmates into the community.

To achieve this certification, the White County Jail has met specific criteria established by TCI, including five mandatory standards and at least 17 of the 20 optional standards. These standards cover crucial areas such as adult education, employment skills training, and behavioral therapy programs, all designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior. Recidivism, which refers to the tendency of a convicted individual to reoffend, is a primary concern addressed through these initiatives and is often measured by rates of rearrest, reconviction, or re-incarceration within a defined period following release.

The White County Sheriff's Office has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, evidenced by successfully passing its annual TCI inspection with no deficiencies for the past six years. This recent Tier 1 Certification further reinforces the facility's dedication to implementing programs that not only meet but exceed state standards, with the ultimate goals of reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. This achievement places the White County Jail among an esteemed group of facilities in Tennessee that have voluntarily embraced higher standards to improve outcomes for inmates and the broader community.

On June 4, 2025, Sheriff Steve Page, Jail Administrator Kevin Benton, and Facility Compliance Officer Lt. Ashley Edwards gratefully accepted this certification from representatives of TCI and the TCI Board of Control. Sheriff Page and Jail Administrator Benton expressed their sincere appreciation to TCI and the Board of Control for this recognition. We extend our gratitude to TCI for their patience and dedicated support visits, which were instrumental in helping the White County Jail reach this important milestone. Above all, a special thank you goes to the entire staff at the White County Jail for their unwavering dedication and hard work in making this achievement possible.

Promises made, promises kept.

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