MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a retired Shelby County judge will work to manage the population of the Shelby County Jail.
SCSO says retired Criminal Court Judge J. Robert Carter will serve as the Jail Population Management Coordinator.
According to the sheriff’s office, Carter will “convene groups to discuss opportunities to reduce the jail’s population.” Carter will reportedly also be responsible for helping to accelerate the cases of inmates who have been in custody for more than a year.
SCSO states Carter will work with the Shelby County Jail’s Population Analyst to create a data dashboard for the jail. The sheriff’s office says the team will “collect, analyze, and compile statistical data” about the jail’s population and systems.
Carter worked as a defense attorney and a prosecutor before serving 12 years as an elected judge.
“His extensive experience and deep understanding of the criminal justice system will be an invaluable asset as we work to safely and effectively reduce our jail population,” Sheriff Floyd Bonner said in a statement. “This partnership reflects our commitment to data-driven solutions and collaborative reform. With the judge’s leadership, we are confident in our ability to identify meaningful strategies that move cases more efficiently while maintaining public safety and fairness for all involved.”
The Shelby County Jail has seen a host of problems, including overcrowding, maintenance issues, and poor living conditions. Several inmates have died at the jail, with the most recent death reported on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, SCSO announced that it was hiring more than 300 new correctional deputies to fill open roles at the jail.