PODCAST - In a WGNS Radio interview on Wednesday, Rutherford County Sheriff Kenneth Barrett discussed pressing issues and new initiatives at the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Barrett detailed recent jail tours organized for county commissioners to witness the severe overcrowding and facility conditions firsthand, emphasizing the urgent need to break ground on a new, future-proof jail by the end of 2027. The conversation also covered the complexities of managing the current inmate population, which involves handling state inmates, providing medical and mental health care, and offering rehabilitation programs such as barber training to assist with post-release employment. Furthermore, the officials highlighted ongoing efforts to hire deputies and school crossing guards and to secure competitive pay to retain staff. 

Public Information Officer Laura Kunce talked about an upcoming trunk or treat event that will be held on Oct. 27, 2026. Multiple agencies that are part of the Rutherford County Traffic Safety Task Force are participating in the event on Samsonite Blvd (near the THP Driver Services Center / Driver's License Station) in Murfreesboro. The pre-Halloween drive-thru fun will be between 5 and 7 PM. Sgt. Kunce also detailed an internal newsletter called the "Deputy News Network,” that will be sent to RCSO employees monthly.

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