KPD e-News Release: K.P.D. Recognizing Employees of Kingsport City Jail During National Correctional Officers Week

	Kingsport Police Department Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		K.P.D. Recognizing Employees of Kingsport City Jail During National Correctional Officers Week
DATE:		May 8, 2023

GENERAL NARRATIVE
May 7-13, 2023 is National Correctional Officers Week. The Kingsport Police Department is taking this opportunity to recognize the dedicated and hardworking employees of the Kingsport City Jail. Kingsport City Jail personnel consist of eight Corrections Officers under the supervision of a Jail Administrator. Former President Ronald Reagan established this week on May 5, 1984. He recognized the need to create a week for correctional officers, to thank them for their service and celebrate their contribution to society. President Reagan stated: “The professionalism, dedication, and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of correctional officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.” Housed within the Kingsport Justice Center, the Kingsport City Jail is a state certified level II, 72 hour, temporary holding facility, falling under the rules and regulation of the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI). It is inspected annually by a State of Tennessee Detention Facilities Specialist to ensure that the facility and staff are meeting the requisite criteria. K.P.D. Corrections Officers are responsible for booking, processing, and securing individuals who are arrested by Kingsport Police Officers until they are released or transferred to another facility. Kingsport’s Corrections Officers process over 2,000 arrestees each year. “Correctional professionals are the backbone of public safety,” said William Wall, Tennessee Corrections Institute Executive Director. “The men and women of corrections are the hidden heroes who dedicate their lives to helping others in the face of danger outside of the public’s eye. It is our honor to recognize those who serve each community across the State of Tennessee and nationwide.”