UNION COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A staffing crisis at the Union County Jail led to the emergency transfer of more than 50 inmates to neighboring counties after the facility’s entire morning shift failed to report for duty Wednesday.
Union County Sheriff-elect Rick Carter said the unprecedented situation was discovered when the jail’s overnight staff was not relieved around 8 a.m., prompting county officials and neighboring law enforcement agencies to step in and prevent a potential public safety emergency.
According to Carter, the reason the entire morning shift did not report for work remains unknown.
“I don’t know if this was something that was planned and they just executed it, or if in the same day, everybody decided that they didn’t want to work here anymore,” Carter said.
Emergency Response Launched
Carter said that because he has not yet officially taken office, his authority during the incident was limited.
“As sheriff-elect, I don’t have the authority to make a lot of those decisions. It has to go to the current sheriff,” Carter said.
After local officials realized the jail was facing a staffing shortage, assistance was requested from nearby agencies. Carter said Union County officials, road deputies and deputies from Roane County helped coordinate the response.
The current sheriff, Billy Breeding, ultimately approved the transfer of inmates from the facility.
“We reached out to the chief deputy and he contacted the current sheriff. The current sheriff then okayed us to transport inmates out,” Carter said.
Inmates Sent to Neighboring Counties
Beginning around 10 a.m., inmates were transported to detention facilities in Claiborne, Knox and Grainger counties.
Officials said more than 50 inmates were successfully relocated to ensure the jail could continue operating safely despite the staffing shortage.
Once the transfers were completed, Carter said there was limited communication regarding what actions were taken next by the current administration.
“The current sheriff supposedly came in around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. and then he left after that. But we didn’t speak and I didn’t actually see him. I was just told that he was there,” Carter said.
Questions Remain Unanswered
As of Thursday afternoon, Carter said he had not spoken directly with Sheriff Breeding regarding the incident.
He also said he had heard speculation that Breeding may have been relieved of duties, but no official information had been communicated to him.
Meanwhile, the cause of the staffing walkout remains unclear.
Officials have not announced whether the employees resigned, quit collectively or failed to report for another reason.
Jail Remains Empty
For now, the Union County Jail remains empty while officials determine how to move forward.
Carter said plans are in place to transport any newly arrested inmates to other detention facilities if bookings become necessary.
Looking ahead, Carter said he expects at least four jail employees to remain after he takes office and said discussions about staffing improvements, facility repairs and incentives to attract workers are already underway.
New Sheriff Takes Office Sept. 1
Carter is scheduled to officially become Union County sheriff on Sept. 1.
Despite the challenges surrounding the jail, he said the assistance received from neighboring agencies demonstrated strong regional cooperation and gives him optimism about the department’s future.
“The people of this county have seen us at the worst,” Carter said. “I’ve said all along, I just want to make this county proud and the citizens of this county have trust and faith in their sheriff’s department again.
“That’s what we’re working for. That’s what the transparency is going to be all about. We’re not going to hide anything from this community.”
Carter said a formal statement regarding the jail’s future operations is expected once inmates are eventually returned to the facility.
