Corrections Operations
Security Shifts - Three Security Shifts provide around the clock custody and control of the inmate population as well as the daily operations of the Jail. Correctional Officers are assigned to a variety of positions that include Floor operations (inmate housing units), visitation, central control, booking, court holding, internal and external transportation duties.
Mental Health Transports - The Corrections Division has been tasked with providing transportation services for citizens within Hamilton County who have been identified as potentially harmful to themselves or others as a result of mental health problems. A Crisis Response Team member who makes a determination that the citizen may be at risk conducts an assessment. A Certificate of Need is prepared and the jail is contacted requesting transportation. Transportation is typically provided from the scene to Moccasin Bend Mental Health Facility.
Corrections Operations - Security Section
Several components make up this section. They
include:
- Security
- Disciplinary Hearing Officer
- Segregation/Movement Officer
Security - This area plays a significant role within the Corrections Division. This section is responsible for security operations, physical security, emergency plans, fire and life safety, security vulnerability assessments, security threat group management, and planning and executing the monthly security calendar.
Disciplinary Hearing Officer - This officer is responsible for the Inmate Disciplinary process. This includes reviewing all disciplinary reports, inmate rights advisements, conducting disciplinary hearings, briefing results of hearings to the Jail Captain, and preparing and briefing inmate appeals to the disciplinary process.
This officer maintains the inmate library. Paperback books are obtained from a variety of sources. Materials include leisure, religious, and self-help books. Books are delivered by cart to each cell twice each month.
This officer also performs duties as the Inmate Grievance Committee Officer. Inmate representatives from each floor gather concerns or issues regarding clarification. These are presented at the monthly committee meeting. This officer addresses those issues that he is familiar with, researches issues and obtains approval where required from the Jail Captain, and briefs new policies or procedures that affect the inmate population. Minutes are maintained of the committee meetings and distributed to the staff and inmate population.
Segregation/Movement Officer - This officer monitors all inmates housed in a segregation area. He monitors inmates in pre-hearing detention to ensure the need for segregation is necessary, and ensures those serving a disciplinary segregation sentence are removed on their expiration date. This officer also ensures that weekly and monthly segregation reviews are conducted by appropriate staff members. He works in a coordinated effort with the Classification Section, Medical, and Case Management.
This officer also coordinates the movement of inmates throughout the facility in compliance with the Classification decisions.
Contact Information
Lt. Gene Coppinger
Corrections Security Supervisor
601 Walnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 209-7176
Fax: (423) 209-7192
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