By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Several disturbances inside a jail were quickly de-escalated thanks to the quick actions of corrections deputies, Shelby County Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said in a statement.
The disturbances started shortly before 10 p.m. on May 3 in a single housing unit inside the Shelby County main jail. The first two disturbances involved inmates setting objects on fire and throwing them, Buckner said.
Corrections deputies immediately extinguished the fires and de-escalated the disturbances, Buckner said.
Buckner said it was later learned that at least one of the cell doors was knocked off its track, compromising deputies’ ability to secure many other doors in the housing unit.
The main door of the housing unit was tied from the inside with bed sheets to prevent corrections deputies from gaining entry, Buckner said. However, deputies were able to keep the disturbance isolated to that particular unit.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the jail and assisted corrections deputies with opening the main door to the housing unit. All inmates were secured with the use of a chemical agent, allowing the incident to conclude peacefully, Buckner said.
Four inmates were injured during the disturbances. All four have since been treated and returned back to the facility.
“This incident is an example of the critical need for a new jail and increased corrections personnel,” Buckner said. “Our advertising efforts to fill our much-needed vacant positions are currently underway. We are attempting to recruit from all segments of our community and those in the greater Memphis Metropolitan area.”
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office correction unit is at half-staff, according to ABC24. The sheriff’s office is offering a $5,000 incentive bonus, as well as a 7.5% salary increase for those who have a four-year college degree.
“We want to be clear, even with our staffing shortages and need for a new jail, we will not tolerate this kind of behavior. This incident is under criminal investigation and charges are forthcoming,” Buckner said.
Maintaining order involves more than just searching and counting inmates and performing inspections. It involves understanding your inmate population. The video below details the four “Cs” on inmate management: