"Leadership Shake-Up: East Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center Superintendent Steps Down Amid Controversy"
Richard L. Bean, Longtime Superintendent of East Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center, Announces Retirement Amid Controversy
Knoxville, TN — Richard L. Bean, the superintendent of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center, announced his retirement on Friday, effective August 1, 2023. This decision comes just a day after Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs publicly expressed a loss of confidence in Bean’s leadership, following a series of troubling allegations regarding the facility’s practices.
Bean, who has held the superintendent position since 1972, has faced increased scrutiny in recent months. A 2023 investigation by WPLN and ProPublica revealed that the detention center was utilizing solitary confinement at a rate higher than other facilities in Tennessee. Reports indicated that children were often locked in isolation for extended periods, sometimes for hours or even days, a practice that has been deemed illegal when used as punishment under state law.
In defense of the center’s practices, Bean previously stated, “I wish I had more punitive abilities,” suggesting that critics did not fully grasp the complexities of managing juvenile offenders. Despite this, the head of the detention center’s governing board defended the facility, claiming it was “the best in the state of Tennessee.”
The situation escalated last week when Bean dismissed two employees, including the center’s only nurse. This dismissal was characterized by Mayor Jacobs as “retaliation” against the nurse for reporting significant medical care issues to state investigators. The nurse alleged that critical medical concerns were being ignored by Bean, raising alarms about the welfare of the detained youth.
In response to these dismissals, Mayor Jacobs and juvenile court Judge Tim Irwin sent a letter to Bean demanding the reinstatement of the terminated employees. Irwin, who is a nonvoting member of the center’s governing board, warned that the dismissals could lead to lawsuits against Bean and Knox County, potentially costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The following day, Jacobs escalated the matter by contacting the governor, urging immediate state intervention. He detailed alarming issues regarding medication management at the facility, including reports of missing medications, errors in medication reporting, and instances of medications being administered to the wrong detainees.
In a public video statement, Jacobs expressed his lack of confidence in the current leadership of the detention center, stating, “I have no confidence that these issues will be addressed with the center’s current leadership or the governing board that oversees the Bean juvenile detention center.” He proposed that the Knox County Sheriff’s Office take over operations, although he acknowledged his limited authority to enforce such a change.
On Friday, Bean announced his intention to retire in two months, stating he would work to get the facility “shipshape” before his departure. He did not respond to requests for further comment but confirmed his last working day would be August 1.
The investigation by WPLN and ProPublica also highlighted systemic issues at the Bean center, revealing that state officials had repeatedly placed the facility on corrective action plans due to its improper use of seclusion. Despite these findings, the center’s license to operate was continually renewed without significant changes being implemented.
During an earlier visit to the facility, Bean remarked, “What we do is treat everybody like they’re in here for murder,” a statement that raised eyebrows given that most children at the center are awaiting court dates for less severe charges. When questioned about potential repercussions for his management style, Bean expressed confidence in his ability to navigate any challenges, stating, “If I got in trouble for it, I believe I could talk to whoever got me in trouble and get out of it.”
As the community grapples with the implications of Bean’s retirement and the ongoing issues at the detention center, the future of juvenile justice in Knox County remains uncertain. The call for reform and oversight continues to grow, with advocates urging for a more humane and effective approach to juvenile detention.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to WPLN/Nashville Public Radio and ProPublica.