A Long-Term Solution for Hamblen County
The new Hamblen County Justice Center in Morristown, Tennessee, represents one of the largest construction investments in the county’s history.
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The approximately 200,000-square-foot complex combines courthouse and detention functions within a more secure and efficient environment. It replaces a nearly 50-year-old, 255-bed jail that had become severely overcrowded and could no longer adequately support inmate separation, staff safety, or modern correctional operations.
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Designed by Moseley, the new detention center provides a core capacity of 621 beds, with infrastructure that can support as many as 750 individuals as the county’s needs change.
Designed for Safer Daily Operations
The facility was planned to improve movement, visibility, and control throughout the justice center. Clearer sightlines, separated circulation routes, and strategically arranged housing areas help staff manage daily operations while reducing unnecessary movement and security risks.
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Bringing detention and courthouse functions together also creates a more coordinated justice campus. The design supports secure movement between housing, courtrooms, healthcare areas, and other essential services without relying as heavily on outside transportation.
Expanding Opportunities for Rehabilitation
The new justice center was designed to provide more than additional bed space. Dedicated areas support education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and reentry programming.
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County officials have identified plans for services such as General Educational Development courses, anger management, domestic violence programming, and other resources intended to help individuals prepare for a more successful return to the community.
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These purpose-built spaces allow programming to become a more consistent part of facility operations rather than competing with overcrowding and limited space.
Built for Demanding Correctional Environments
Plumbing systems in correctional facilities must withstand continuous use, intentional abuse, and challenging maintenance conditions. Toilets, lavatories, combination units, showers, and water controls must support security and sanitation while remaining reliable throughout the life of the facility.
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Willoughby manufactures correctional-grade stainless steel plumbing fixtures and water management solutions for these demanding applications. Made-to-order configurations help architects, engineers, and facility teams address security requirements, installation conditions, maintenance access, and long-term performance.
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The Hamblen County Justice Center demonstrates how thoughtful planning and durable building systems can work together to create a safer, more efficient facility prepared to serve the county for decades.
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More information can be found in the May edition of Correctional News.