The Bradley County jail is part of the Judicial Complex located at 2290 Blythe Avenue just off the Cleveland bypass. Occupied in May 2004, the 408-bed facility is staffed 24/7 by well-trained, experienced corrections deputies.

In 2004 the corrections division processed approximately 6,500 people. This includes bookings at the former county jail on Johnson Boulevard, which has since been renovated into a juvenile center. The facility originally opened in 1982 with a capacity of 117, although the inmate population grew to an average of 180 before the facility closed.

At the county's new facility, introduction of Direct Supervision has greatly affected operation of the jail. Correction officers who had worked in the county's indirect supervision facility were offered re-training to acquaint them with this innovative style of inmate behavior management. New personnel hired to staff the larger facility enrolled in the first Corrections Academy, developed by Training Sgt. Gwen Beavers. The comprehensive four-week program consists of 160 hours of classroom instruction. The first academy class graduated in January 2004.

Jail booking area

Of nine inmate pods, seven are direct supervision. The remaining two are the Segregation and Disciplinary pods using indirect supervision.

In a direct supervision pod, the correction officer has direct contact with the inmates they are supervising. They are allowed to converse with the pod officer, however, they will face disciplinary action for crossing the yellow line on the floor.

Booking

Once this step is completed, if a bond is set you will be allowed to make a bond to afect release.

Those who cannot make bond or who are to remain in custody by an order of the court are required to shower to begin a period of incarceration. They will receive an initial supply of clothing, socks, shoes, and underwear. Clothing worn into the jail and any property in their possession when they were accepted by the corrections staff is kept in a secure area until their release.

 

A booking officer checks an inmate's records

TENNESSEE LAW ESTABLISHES SEVERE PENALTIES FOR PERSONS POSSESSING CONTRABAND IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. ANY PERSON POSSESSING AN ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE WHEN THEY ENTER THE BRADLEY COUNTY JAIL WILL BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO POST BAIL.

Each inmate will be assigned to a cell pod and is subject to the rules and regulations of the Bradley County jail.

The Bradley County Sheriff's Office maintains a list of bail bond companies who have been approved to make bonds in the county. The person being released from jail or a member of his / her family will determine the company to secure the bond.

Inmate Commissary Accounts

Money in the possession of a person at the time of arrest will be credited to that individuals' account. These funds may then be used to purchase various items from the menu of the Inmate Commissary.

Accounts are initially debited a booking fee of $10 and for an inmate admittance pack, costing $5.00. The packet consists of detergent, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, tooth paste and soap.

Inmates may order hygiene items, over the counter medications, clothing items, candy, soft drinks, snacks, and miscellaneous items through the commissary. The cost of each item is listed on the menu. Indigent inmates may also order from the commissary.

Each inmate receives an initial medical screening at no cost.

Additional sums can be deposited to an inmate account by bringing a money order to the visitation lobby on the inmate's scheduled visitation day. CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The booking office staff will return any balance in the inmate account at the time of release from the Bradley County jail.

Medical Unit

In 2007 inmate medical services were contracted to DHCA, a Maryville-based company that has demonstrated an ability to provide a high level of care at a reasonable cost. Medical needs are addressed around-the-clock by a staff of dedicated medical professionals.

The medical unit has facilities for medical examinations and dental procedures. Most medical conditions and illnesses can be treated in the facility without taking an inmate to an offsite medical facility.

Reception area for medical unit

Inmates are charged for medical care they receive during their incarceration. Current charges are: Sick call $10.00; Doctor visit $15.00; Dental service $15.00; Emergency room visit by police vehicle $25.00; Emergency room visit by ambulance $50.00. Lab services are $25.00 a nd X-rays are $15.00.

Self-inflicted injuries and those that are received through circumstances contrary to the rules of inmate conduct, requiring treatment at the emergency room or a physician's office, will be the inmate's responsibity for payment of all incurred charges.

No inmate will be denied medical care due to a lack of funds in their account. Unpaid charges will be debited when funds are added to the account.

Telephone Calls

Mail

Inmates are encouraged to send and receive mail during the period of their incarceration. All incoming mail is searched for contraband. ANY MAIL CONTAINING ILLEGAL MATERIAL WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE INMATE. The jail does not accept mail with postage due. The address for sending mail to an inmate is:

(Inmates full name)

Bradley County Jail

2290 Blythe Ave SE

Cleveland, TN 37311

The Bradley County jail will not accept property or food items for an inmate from outside the facility. No televisions are allowed in the jail. All property must be purchased through the jail commissary.

Inmate meals are prepared by ABL Food Services, a service that is contracted to a private vendor. Three meals are served each day, 365 days a year.

During incarceration inmates may purchase various items from the jail commissary. Upon completion of booking, each person is provided clothing and personal hygiene items they will need during their stay. Additional items may be purchased from the inmate's account. Items that can be obtained are personal hygiene items, over the counter medications, clothing items, candy, snacks, beverages and other miscellaneous items.

Inmate Information

If you need to check to see if a friend or relative is in the Bradley County jail you may do so by calling the booking office at 728-7366.

The jail staff does NOT provide information about the outcome of an inmate's court hearing. To obtain that information you must contact the Clerk of the Court having jurisdiction.

The two courts held at the Judicial Center are General Sessions Court (728-7049) and Criminal Court (728-7056).

Directions

From Knoxville via I-75 south (Click For Map ) - Exit the interstate at exit 20. Turn left onto the US 64 bypass (APD 40) and proceed approximately 4.4 miles to the third traffic light. Turn left onto Blackburn Road and then turn left onto Foster Lane. Turn left onto Blythe Avenue. The entrance for General Sessions Court and Criminal Court will be in front of you. To reach the booking office turn left at the Judicial Center sign. The double garage doors that stand out from the rest of the building access the sally port and the booking area. Sheriff's administration, the training center and visitation are located on the back (west) side of the building. There are access roads at the north and south ends of the complex. The entrance to the Criminal Investigations Division and Forensics Lab is at the south end of the building.

From Chattanooga via I-75 north (Click For Map ) - Exit the interstate at exit 20. Turn right at the end of the ramp and follow the directions above.

From Polk County via U.S. 64 west (Click For Map ) - Proceed west on US 64 to Cleveland. Take the US 64 W / Chattanooga exit which is just beyond the US 64 bypass bridge. Stay on the bypass for approximately 2.6 miles until you reach the second traffic light. Turn right onto Blackburn Road and then left onto Foster Lane. You will turn left onto Blythe Avenue. To reach the booking office turn left at the Judicial Center sign. The double garage doors standing out from the rest of the building access the sally port and the booking area. Sheriff's administration, the training center and visitation are located on the back (west) side of the building. There are access roads at the north and south ends of the complex. The entrance to the Criminal Investigations Division and Forensics Lab is at the south end of the building.