Jones on Jails

Lots of interesting points made today by the candidates at a forum hosted by the Halls Business and Professional Association.

Sheriff JJ Jones raised one of the most compelling, arguing that a large number of inmates in Knox County custody should not be in the system, but should be being treated for mental health and addiction problems at healthcare facilities.

Jones said, once in the system, these individuals lose their Tenncare benefits, forcing the County to pick up the tab - which in many cases - includes very expensive psychotropic drugs. He said the County spends more than $400,000 a year on these drugs.

His goal is to divert these folks toward more appropriate facilities before they're incarcerated so they can get the treatment they need, and perhaps turn their lives in a more positive direction.

Bottom line - he says such an initiative would save taxpayers money.

*Jones also said he would maintain an open door policy toward the public and media, regardless of whether it was good news or bad.

If he's elected, we'll hold him to that promise.

And we would hope that Jones' opponent Randy Tyree - who was not at today's forum - would make the same promise if he's elected.