‘Unlawful Detention’

knox county detention facility

A Honduran immigrant called 911 for help. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office tried to deport her. She is challenging the legality of the county’s 287(g) program and suing for $2.5 million.

Burning Up on Re-Entry

Tony Parker and Josh Smith

Knox County returns more former prisoners to jail than any of Tennessee’s other metro areas. Josh Smith is pushing local leaders to break the cycle.

Sheriff Proposes Video Courtroom

county commission spangler

Spangler says conducting more remote hearings at the jail would save the county money and reduce safety risks. The Public Defender’s Office has concerns.

Documenting the Undocumented

Knox County detention facility

An immigrant rights group says data shows the Knox County Sheriff’s Office is playing a significant role in federal law enforcement.

Breaking Out

Knox County detention facility

Gov. Bill Lee’s criminal justice task force says the state needs to reform everything from sentencing guidelines to mental health services. Will the governor follow through?

Cracking the Jailhouse Door

knox county detention facility

The Knox County Sheriff’s pretrial release program has doubled its caseload this year, keeping hundreds more people out of jail. Is it enough?

‘The Safety of Everyone’

Sheriff Tom Spangler

Sheriff Tom Spangler had a busy first year that put him and his department in multiple spotlights. We sat down to talk to him about it.

A Free Man

Josh Smith

Josh Smith built a multi-million-dollar company from nothing, all while hiding a secret. Now he’s using his resources and personal story to fight for criminal justice reform.

Prisoners Dilemma

Alan Richardson of Justice Planners

Knox County commissioners say they want to take action to reduce jail crowding — but they can’t do it alone.

Jailhouse Diagnosis

knox county detention facility

A study says Knox County could reduce its inmate crowding by making reforms to the local criminal justice system.