Training

Each facility is required to offer jail personnel a pre-service orientation program designed to familiarize each person with the functions and mission of the facility.  All personnel whose duties include the industry, custody, or treatment of prisoners are required to complete a 40-hour basic training program during the first year of employment.  This training is provided by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. Rules of the Tennessee Corrections Institute, Rule 1400-1-.06 (2) and (3). But see Russell v. Robertson County, 99 F.3d 1139 (Table) (6th Cir. 1996) citing Beddingfield v. City of Pulaski, 861 F.2d 968, 971 (6th Cir. 1988) (The City's decision to exclude its jail personnel from TCI training did not amount to a constitutionally impermissible failure to train "because the City provided its own in-house training program.").

In-Service Training

All personnel whose duties include the industry, custody, or treatment of prisoners are required to complete 40 hours of in-service training each year covering the specific skill areas of jail operations. At least 16 hours will be provided by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. The remaining 24 hours may be provided by the facility if course content is approved and monitored by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. Rules of the Tennessee Corrections Institute, Rule 1400-1-.06 (4).

The county legislative body may by resolution choose, by a two-thirds vote of its entire membership to establish an in-service training program for certified correction officers employed by the county. Each participating county is required to establish criteria and rules and regulations governing its own program. T.C.A. § 38-8-111(d).

Training in Use of Firearms and Chemical Agents

All jail personnel who are authorized to use firearms or chemical agents must receive basic and ongoing in-service training in the use of these weapons. All such training must be recorded with the dates completed and kept in the officer's personnel file.  Rules of the Tennessee Corrections Institute, Rule 1400-1-.06 (6).