Unicoi County Sheriff tells County Commission about jail overcrowding

The Unicoi County Commission met Monday to hear from Sheriff Mike Hensley about an overcrowding issue at the jail. The men’s facility is currently far over capacity. Currently 96 inmates are housed at the men’s facility at the Unicoi County Courthouse Annex Jail. The max capacity is 62. Hensley said the Tennessee Corrections Institute recommends it to be even lower to allow for incoming inmates. Hensley says moving all female inmates would open up 38 beds and indicated several local jails would be willing to take the women in, but three more full time transport officers would have to be hired. After the meeting, Hensley took commissioners to tour the jail so they can see firsthand that the situation calls for immediate action. Hensley has said that a new jail is the best solution but the funds aren’t there, He’s asking for the county to fund moving the female inmates. He said the jail must comply by January when the next inspection takes place, or be decertified.