Knox County leaders are planning changes to the management of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center following recent firings and the superintendent’s retirement announcement. According to a letter from Knox County COO Dwight Van de Vate to the Knox County Commission, obtained by WBIR, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) may take temporary control of the center from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with a possible extension.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs filed an emergency ordinance supporting the sheriff’s office taking over during this period. In an interview with WATE, Jacobs said the sheriff has the experience needed to handle the situation quickly and is the best option. An interim superintendent is expected to be appointed to serve from August, when Richard Bean retires, until the end of this year.
The change follows the firing of two whistleblowers that raised concerns about the center’s operations, as per WVLT report. The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services will continue weekly monitoring visits and share reports with the sheriff, commission, mayor’s office, and juvenile court judge. Van de Vate, said the focus will be on improvements rather than assigning blame.
These changes will be discussed at the Knox County Commission meeting on June 23. County Commissioner Courtney Durrett, who supports the emergency ordinance, wants the facility to be a place where employees feel safe to report issues and where juveniles are treated properly. The plan aims to improve policies, staffing, and treatment procedures at the detention center.
