Justice Department launches investigation into civil rights violations at a Tennessee prison

HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The U.S. Department of Justice announced it is launching an investigation into events at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center on Tuesday.

The Justice Department said the decision was based on a thorough review of various state audits that have shed light on staffing shortages and safety concerns since the prison opened in 2016. The investigation will also look at whether the state is protecting Trousdale inmates from physical violence and sexual abuse, the Justice Department said.

The Justice Department notified Tennessee authorities of the investigation on Monday and said it is being conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which allows the Justice Department to investigate systematic violations of the rights of people in institutional settings, including prisons.

“People are incarcerated at Trousdale Turner as punishment for their crimes, but in our legal system, punishment cannot and should not include violence or sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is launching this comprehensive investigation to determine whether there are systematic violations of the Constitution in the treatment of people at this privately run correctional facility. We are committed to protecting the constitutional rights of people incarcerated in prisons and jails across our country.”

According to U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis, in addition to staff shortages, there have also been reports of physical and sexual assaults, murders and a dangerously high turnover among prison guards.

The Trousdale Turner Correctional Center is operated by the private correctional management company CoreCivic on behalf of the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

Following the Justice Department’s announcement, CoreCivic released the following statement:

“The safety and dignity of every person in our care is the highest priority of our leadership and staff at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. That is why we have worked closely with the Tennessee Department of Corrections to identify and implement policies and processes that improve safety while providing meaningful programs and services designed to help the individuals in our care prepare for successful reintegration. We take this matter very seriously and are committed to working closely with officials at TDOC and USDOJ to address the areas of concern.”

The U.S. Department of Justice said its Civil Rights Division's Special Litigation Section would conduct the investigation jointly with the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

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