Union County, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Newly appointed Union County Sheriff Rick Carter is providing residents with an inside look at ongoing repair efforts at the Union County Jail, as his administration works to address longstanding maintenance and infrastructure issues throughout the facility.
The update comes amid growing calls for transparency from community members and follows a period of significant challenges at the jail, including staffing shortages and concerns about facility conditions.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, crews are actively working on several critical repair projects designed to improve safety, security and daily operations for both correctional staff and inmates.
Among the repairs currently underway are:
- Repairing rusted and deteriorated ductwork throughout the facility.
- Installing protective security cages over facility lighting.
- Repairing broken and malfunctioning showers inside inmate housing areas.
- Replacing compromised safety glass on cell doors.
Sheriff Carter said the work is part of a broader effort to modernize the jail and address issues that have accumulated over time.
“There is still work to be done but we are continuing to address these issues and make improvements throughout the facility,” the sheriff’s office said in a public update. “Our goal is to provide a safer, cleaner and more secure environment for both staff and those in our custody.”
The focus on facility improvements follows a major staffing crisis that recently affected jail operations. During that period, road deputies were called in to assist with jail duties, and dozens of inmates were temporarily transferred to neighboring jurisdictions to help alleviate operational pressures.
Officials say the current administration is committed to making necessary infrastructure upgrades while keeping the public informed about progress. By sharing photographs and updates from inside the jail, the sheriff’s office hopes to provide residents with greater transparency regarding the condition of the facility and the work being done to improve it.
While officials acknowledge that significant work remains, they say the current projects represent an important step toward creating a more functional and secure environment for employees and inmates alike.
Sheriff Carter has pledged to continue providing updates as repairs move forward and additional improvements are identified.
