Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1400 - Corrections Institute
Here’s a detailed overview of Tennessee Rules & Regulations, Title 1400 – Corrections Institute, which sets critical standards for local and juvenile correctional facilities:
🏛️ Structure of Title 1400
This title is divided into several main chapters:
Chapter 1400‑01 – Minimum Standards for Local Correctional Facilities
Chapter 1400‑02 – Minimum Standards for Non-Secure Juvenile Holding Facilities
Chapter 1400‑03 – Minimum Standards for Juvenile Detention Facilities
Chapter 1400‑04 – Criteria for Waivers
Chapter 1400‑05 – Voluntary Accreditation Standards for Local Correctional Facilities (law.cornell.edu)
📘 Chapter 1400‑01: Local Jails & Detention Facilities
Preface (§ .01):
Authority under T.C.A. § 41‑4‑140 to set minimum standards and conduct annual inspections of county jails, lock‑ups, workhouses, etc. (law.cornell.edu)
Definitions (§ .03):
Offers precise definitions—from "Booking" to "Workhouse"—covering essential terms used for classification, segregation, inmate movement, and safety protocols
Physical Plant (§ .04):
Establishes requirements for facilities including cell configuration, ventilation, sanitation, and restrictions on temporary housing (e.g., not used over 18 months without TCI approval) (casetext.com)
Personnel (§ .06):
Mandates criminal background checks prior to employment, detailed orientation, minimum training hours (e.g., 40 hrs basic + 40 hrs annual in-service), firearms training where applicable, and maintenance of training records (regulations.justia.com)
Security (§ .07):
Specifies physical security measures including control center design, locking mechanisms, and perimeter controls—though full text wasn’t captured, standard security provisions are included (regulations.justia.com)
Admission, Records & Release (§ .14):
Requires comprehensive booking forms, inmate records (photo, charges, next of kin, property receipts, etc.), telephone rights, property handling, record-keeping, and release procedures (regulations.justia.com)
Hygiene (§ .15):
Inmates must be issued suitable clothing that fits and accommodates climate needs (casetext.com)
🧒 Chapters 1400‑02 & 1400‑03: Juvenile Facilities
Chapter 02 sets standards for non-secure juvenile holding (e.g. non-detention), covering facility safety, intake policies, staff training, and record-keeping.
Chapter 03 defines standards for secure juvenile detention, with stricter physical and staffing requirements—although detailed contents aren’t listed in the summary; they're structured similarly to Chapter 01.
📝 Chapter 1400‑04: Waiver Criteria
Facilities may apply for waivers from certain standards under specific conditions, as defined in chapter rules
🏅 Chapter 1400‑05: Voluntary Accreditation
Encourages correctional facilities to voluntarily meet higher standards certified by TCI accreditation tiers. Examples include implementing evidence-based recidivism programs, tracking release outcomes, and improving accountability (regulations.justia.com)
🗓️ Regulatory History & Updates
Chapter 1400 first initiated in the early 1980s, with numerous amendments including major revisions in 2000, 2014, and updates to accreditation standards in 2021–2022 (law.cornell.edu)
The Secretary of State periodically publishes PDFs of current rules; for instance, the 2018 minimum standards edition reflects ongoing maintenance (tn.gov)
✅ Summary: Why Title 1400 Matters
Ensures safety, sanitation, and humane treatment in adult and juvenile correctional settings
Requires staff vetting and training, safeguarding both inmates and staff
Regulates admissions, records integrity, inmate property rights, release protocols
Allows flexibility via waivers and encourages excellence through voluntary accreditation
🌐 Where to Access the Full Rules
Tennessee Secretary of State's Publications site hosts PDFs of each chapter
Cornell LII and Justia offer searchable versions current through recent revisions (e.g., March 2025)
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