KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – After eight months of planning, Knox County’s Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center transition team is finishing up its work. Tuesday, the team met for the last time before the Knox County Commission votes on the center’s future.
Starting April 1, Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin will take over running the center, alongside a permanent board to help keep the juvenile center running. The county is still looking for new board members, seeking a citizen and someone from the health department.
Tuesday’s meeting didn’t stop at the center’s future leadership, though. The team also discussed the future of training new officers, suggesting a “Field Training” program where experienced officers help new hires.
Additionally, the county is planning on improving the center itself, investing in lighting and living area renovations.
The Richard L. Bean Center has been the subject of a county takeover for months. It started when its namesake director was fired by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who said Bean had tried to cover up state-level complaints over the center’s running.
