Category: News Releases

SHERIFF DARON HALL WORKING TO REDUCE JAIL POPULATION DURING
COVID-19 NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
Criminal justice system leaders must continue to reduce number of inmates in Davidson County jails as they balance public health and public safety

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced today he has initiated plans to reduce the number of inmates in sheriff’s office custody. Those include expansion of pre-trial release (PTR) criteria and elimination of the work release program. PTR participants are expected to double over the next few days and all work release inmates are being furloughed immediately.

“Additionally, I am working with Chief Public Defender Martesha Johnson by providing her lists of medically high-risk individuals who may qualify for release, including pregnant inmates,” Hall said. “As sheriff, I am working to reduce the number of individuals in our custody and it’s imperative all criminal justice leaders do the same.”

While many in the system work toward necessary releases, misdemeanor arrests have increased over the past two weeks. Hall emphasized in these unprecedented times, we must take bold action and the system cannot continue to operate under a “business as usual” mindset.

“As stated last week, we fully expect to have COVID-19 positive cases in our facilities. It’s critical we reduce the inmate population now. As criminal justice leaders we need to take action because of the serious impact this virus will have on sheriff’s office staff and inmates.” Hall concluded.

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DCSO Employees –

As you might imagine, we are working to keep our pulse on the latest information circulating about COVID-19 or Coronavirus. I need you to keep an eye on the Monitor while at work and social media, when home, for announcements/decisions leadership is making – because much of it involves you.

Beginning Thursday at 3 p.m., all employees, vendors, or others who walk through checkpoint will have their temperature taken by a DCSO staff member (infrared/no touch thermometer). This includes attorneys. If an individual’s temperature is 100 degrees or above, he/she will be refused entry into the facility.

Each facility has detailed post instructions for the employee checking the temperatures, instructions for the Lt. should someone register 100 or above, and a document that will be provided to any person who is denied entry due to a fever. We anticipate a version of this procedure will be in place at all DCSO locations/divisions by next week.

I ask each of you to remain vigilant in facility/personal space sanitation as health officials continue to emphasize:

• Wash your hands;
• Clean your work space;
• Practice social distancing when possible;
• Cover your mouth and nose (not with your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth;
• Stay home if you are sick.

Thanks for all you are doing to keep our agency operating during this time of national and local crisis.

Be safe and well,

Sheriff Daron Hall

During this national public health emergency, Sheriff Daron Hall has halted all evictions and service of other civil papers until further notice. A few exceptions will apply including orders of protection, child custody orders, papers related to protection of elderly or vulnerable persons, and emergency mental health orders.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     CONTACT: Karla West

03132020                   615.862.8235

SHERIFF DARON HALL ANNOUNCES OPERATIONAL CHANGES TO REDUCE CORONAVIRUS EXPOSURE
Priority is making staff and inmate environment as safe as possible

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced Friday he has implemented changes to reduce the chances of Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) employees and inmates being exposed to Coronavirus, COVID-19. Those changes, all beginning Monday, include non-essential, non-public safety employees working from home, video visitation for inmates (exception made for attorneys), and volunteer programs are suspended until further notice. Clergy may schedule video visits.

In a correctional environment, cleaning measures are always of utmost importance; however, DCSO understands these are unique times and is taking extra cleaning measures to ensure safety of both staff and inmates. Center for Disease Control posters are hanging in all facilities and inmate housing areas indicating how to stop the spread of germs and how to recognize symptoms. Personal protective equipment is available for staff and leadership is emphasizing: Wash Your Hands.

“At this point, we have not had any employees or inmates present with symptoms, but we anticipate that happening,” Hall said. “Although we are a microcosm of the community, our population is high risk for communicable diseases. We are working closely with the health care provider, contracted through the health department. Any housing decisions, when it comes to presumptive cases will be directed by medical staff.”

 The Day Reporting Program and DUI Safety School, located at 1417 Murfreesboro Pike, will suspend programming until further notice. Additionally, those required to self-report and serve “weekend time” will be credited for their time upon arrival, then immediately released. Individuals who received a citation and are scheduled to report for booking at the Justice A.A. Birch Building, should not report. In conjunction with court closures, this process will be closed until April 13. Hall hopes these procedures assist in limiting exposure and is exploring alternatives to decrease the number of incarcerated.

 “Over the past couple of days, I have been in conversation with various Nashville criminal justice leaders regarding the reduction of our overall inmate population. Some ideas we are considering include releasing medically, high-risk inmates, releasing those approaching the end of their sentence, and expanded use of citations in lieu of physical arrests. 

According to Hall, DCSO’s correctional leadership remains networked on a national level regarding COVID-19 trends and actions necessary to limit exposure. They have participated in numerous conference calls on this subject to stay informed and watched a webinar earlier today.

Finally, in an effort to create “social distancing,” upcoming DCSO-sponsored events that bring large crowds of employees together have been postponed until further notice.

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MEDIA ADVISORY
March 13, 2020

At approximately 11:46 a.m., officers responded to the Hill Detention Center cell of inmate Drew Stennett, 32. Upon arrival, he was found unresponsive. A code green was called and correctional staff initiated CPR immediately. Stennett, who was seen by medical earlier today
and medically screened during the booking process, was transported to Nashville General Hospital at Meharry and pronounced deceased at 12:27 p.m.

He was arrested and booked Thursday on a probation violation with an arrest history of Driving Under the Influence, driving on a suspended license, and aggravated assault.

The investigation is ongoing and foul play is not suspected. Coronavirus is also not suspected. Autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE ALEX FRIEDMANN ARRESTED
The criminal justice advocate and managing editor of Prison Legal News charged with attempted burglary for actions at the new Downtown Detention Center

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced Sunday Alex Friedmann, 50, a longtime criminal justice advocate and managing editor of Prison Legal News is free on bond after being charged with attempted burglary, evidence tampering, and possession of burglary tools. He was arrested Saturday at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) Downtown Detention Center (DDC) after entering the building fraudulently. The newly constructed, 762-bed, maximum security facility is in its final stages of completion and does not currently house inmates.

On Monday, December 30, DCSO lieutenants were in the DDC control room and noticed a set of keys with a ring that looked different from the others. After an audit, it was confirmed two facility keys were missing. Upon reviewing video surveillance, an individual dressed like a construction worker wearing a yellow vest and dust mask and matching the description of Friedmann, was seen spray painting around the key control room door. He entered the room and placed a key ring in his pocket, left the DDC through the front lobby, returned two hours later, and replaced the keys, again with two missing. It was also discovered he previously entered the building under false pretenses on at least three other occasions.

At approximately 1 p.m. Saturday, deputies monitoring the DDC cameras noticed an individual entering DDC who matched the description of the suspect from the December 30 incident. The individual, later determined to be Friedmann, was detained in an area of the DDC until Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers arrived. An igloo cooler Friedmann carried into the facility contained bolt cutters, a key chit (used in corrections as a security measure to identify keys), and a document identified as schematics of the DDC. Friedman was also seen on video trying to destroy this document by “ripping it and chewing it up” according to the affidavit.

“The seriousness of Mr. Friedmann’s charges cannot be ignored. His actions have placed the safety and security of our entire community in peril, not to mention DCSO staff and inmates,”Hall said. “There are many items of value in a $200 million facility that can be stolen if your motivation is profit. There is only one reason for these sinister acts and that is to compromise our ability to maintain a secure facility and that is unconscionable and dangerous for everyone.”

The investigation is ongoing and DCSO will continue to work in cooperation with MNPD.

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Editor’s Note: Security surveillance video will not be released in accordance with state law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12162019

LAST MINUTE TOY STORE OPENS THIS WEEK
Ticket distribution Wednesday; shopping Thursday, Friday, Saturday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced Monday the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is, once again, partnering with the Last Minute Toy Store (LMTS) and ticket distribution will begin Wednesday. This service is provided for Davidson County residents who are not receiving assistance from any other charitable organization. According to Hall, it brings joy to families and volunteers alike.

“We are thrilled about our third year of partnership with the Last Minute Toy Store. In 2018, we provided toys, books, stocking stuffers, and other holiday items for more than 5,500 children who,
otherwise, would have had nothing on Christmas morning,” Hall said. “Anyone who came out last year to donate or volunteer can tell you what an impact the store can have on all involved. We saw parents coming out of the store after getting their shopping tickets in tears and it’s meaningful to our volunteers; knowing they are making a difference. The sheriff’s office is proud to be part
of this unique and meaningful event.”

Ticket distribution is scheduled for Wednesday 4 – 7 p.m. at the DCSO Service Center, 5117 Harding Place. Each ticket will have a date/time to return for shopping on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis, and the store is conveniently located on WeGo Public Transit route 52B. When returning for shopping participants
should provide the following:

• Photo identification;
• Proof of Davidson County residency (utility bill, rent receipt, etc.);
• Official documentation showing name and date of birth for each child (birth certificate,
government assistance card or letter, shot record, etc.);
• Proof of income (pay stub, unemployment/government assistance/separation from work documentation,
etc.).

LMTS President Dale Robble, who has helped coordinate the LMTS effort for years said, “In 2017, we began this new partnership and had no idea it would be such an overwhelming success. It exceeded our expectations and we feel truly blessed to continue working with the sheriff’s office to, literally, provide Christmas for thousands of children,” Robble said. “As successful as we were
last year, that can’t continue without the support of our community. I hope you will take time this week to drop off a donation or go to our website to donate through Amazon and help a child in
need.”

Toys and $20 gift cards for teens are being accepted at the DCSO Service Center 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. until Wednesday, December 18. Donations may also be dropped at the DCSO administration
building downtown, 506 Second Avenue North, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“It is the season of giving and helping those who are less fortunate.” Hall said. If you are looking for a charitable organization to assist this holiday season, I hope you will make it the
Last Minute Toy Store. Many families won’t have gifts for their kids without your generosity.” Hall added.

If you need more information, please visit www.lastminutetoystore.com.

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MEDIA ADVISORY 
December 10, 2019

CONTACT:  Karla West

The Last Minute Toy Store (LMTS), scheduled to distribute shopping tickets Wednesday, December 18, will get a few extra Santa helpers Friday. Approximately 40 soldiers from the 101st Airborne
Division will assist Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) personnel and other volunteers sort toys, set-up shelving, and decorate the toy store.

WHO? DCSO employees, LMTS volunteers, and 101st Airborne Division soldiers

WHAT? Preparing the LMTS for the big shopping rush next week (over 5,000 kids helped in 2018)

WHEN? Friday, December 13, 8 a.m.

WHERE? DCSO Service Center, 5117 Harding Place

In addition, toy donations and $20 gift cards for teens will be accepted at this location beginning Saturday, December 14, through December 18, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information on how to get tickets, volunteering, or donating go to www.lastminutetoystore.com.

Editor’s Note: More information to come next week regarding the mentioned ticket distribution and shopping days, December 19 – 21.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10292019

DAVIDSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ENDS ICE HOUSING CONTRACT
Effective December 1, DCSO will no longer house ICE detainees

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall announced today effective December 1, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) will no longer contract to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees. This move comes after meeting with local advocacy groups, Mayor John Cooper, Metropolitan Council members, and internal stakeholders.

“The continued confusion and hyper-political nature of this issue has become a distraction from sheriff’s office priorities,” Hall said. “The number of individuals detained as a result of this contract is less than one percent of overall jail bookings; however, I spend an inordinate amount of my time debating its validity.”

Since 1996, Metro government, not the DCSO, has received revenue from a council-approved contract to house various federal detainees including ICE. The sheriff’s office is currently in negotiations with the United States Marshal Service (USMS) to remove ICE from that contract. The DCSO, under a renewed council-approved agreement, will continue to house individuals who are in USMS custody.

“Over the past 15 years, I challenge you to find a sheriff’s office whose immigration-related policies have been more responsible,” Hall said. “Taking into consideration our important public safety role and our goal of being community-minded, we have always worked to see our policies evolve accordingly. This approach hasn’t always been popular, but responsible. We will now move forward, continuing to focus on significant issues such as decriminalization of mental illness and criminal justice reform.”

Hall says, DCSO’s future ICE interaction will be limited to that which is required by state law.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2019

INAUGURAL SHERIFF’S CITIZENS’ ACADEMY BEGINS TUESDAY

Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall is scheduled to kick-off the academy and welcome 16 students who will spend six weeks learning about the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall will welcome 16 students Tuesday to its inaugural Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy (SCA). Participants will spend the next six weeks learning about the complexities of operating jails, booking arrestees, housing inmates, and various other duties associated with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). Graduation is scheduled for November 5 in the new Downtown Detention Center (DDC).

“It’s important our community learns more about how we operate, why we do the things we do, and better understands the challenges our staff face,” Hall said. “Our duties to this county are behind the walls of secured facilities and we are, primarily, judged by failures. I really want people to come in, see what goes on behind those walls, and appreciate how we are working every day to change lives. The day we are just warehousing people is the day I no longer want this job.”

After Hall’s 6 p.m. welcome and a quick class photo in front of the DDC, Tuesday night begins with a tour of the Hill Detention Center, 506 Second Avenue North. Participants will see the temporary booking room, property room, and inmate housing. Weeks following will include areas of the Justice A.A. Birch Building where inmates are secured near court rooms, the Correctional Development Center – Male, Maximum Correctional Center, and an inside look at DCSO’s Special Operations Response Team. Although not yet ready for official tours, the class will complete week six with a sneak peek of the DDC and the Behavioral Care Center; finally, graduating in the DDC’s fourth floor employee dining hall.

“This first class was hand-picked and we could not be more excited about their involvement,” Hall said. “We wanted a group who would give productive and serious feedback in order to improve for future classes. Our plans are to open applications next year to any Nashvillian who is interested in learning more about the DCSO.”

For more: www.sheriff.nashville.gov or on Twitter @NashSheriff.

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