The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Tennessee, the largest prison in the state, due to ongoing issues of violence and sexual abuse that have reportedly been neglected for years. Federal prosecutors revealed alarming statistics regarding the facility, with 196 assaults, 90 instances of sexual misconduct, two murders, and 15 other deaths labeled as “accidental” occurring between July 2022 and June 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke emphasized that individuals in jails or prisons still maintain constitutional rights and should be free from cruel and unusual punishment.
While CoreCivic operates the Trousdale prison, the state of Tennessee bears the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding the rights of inmates in the facility. The Tennessee Department of Correction acknowledged the investigation and pledged full cooperation. Trousdale, housing approximately 2,500 inmates, has faced persistent challenges since its opening in 2016, experiencing significant issues that led to temporary intake halts within just four months of operation.
Reports of chronic understaffing, resulting in risks for both inmates and correctional officers, have plagued Trousdale over the years. Despite promises from Tennessee Correction leadership and CoreCivic to address these issues, recurrent problems highlighted in state audits conducted in 2017, 2020, and 2023 have persisted. The 2023 audit revealed a staggering officer turnover rate at Trousdale of 188% in the preceding fiscal year, far surpassing the state-run facility average of 37%. This high turnover has exacerbated severe understaffing, with critical positions left unfilled, endangering safety within the prison.
Moreover, Trousdale garnered attention in May 2020 when it reported a considerable number of COVID-19 cases, leading Trousdale County to have the highest per capita rate of infection in the U.S. At one point, over half of the inmates tested positive for the virus. The announcement of the Justice Department’s investigation into conditions at the facility was commended by Nashville attorney Daniel Horwitz, who has pursued legal action against CoreCivic in the past.
Despite documented issues, Trousdale has received contract renewals from the state, drawing criticism from U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry Leventis. CoreCivic, a significant campaign donor in the state, enjoys favor from Tennessee’s Republican majority and CEO Damon Hininger has shown interest in a potential run for governor in 2026. CoreCivic’s spokesperson underscored the company’s commitment to the safety and well-being of those under its care.
Tennessee currently maintains contracts with CoreCivic for four prisons, with the state budget allocating $233 million for these facilities, including $80 million specifically for Trousdale.
