Rutherford County Jail Holds Nearly Double Its Capacity as New Jail Talks Begin

The Rutherford County Adult Detention Center was built for about 550 inmates but holds roughly 1,050 a day, with peaks near 1,200. County commissioners toured the jail as discussions about a new facility move forward.

Rutherford County's jail holds almost twice the number of people it was built for, and county leaders are starting to talk about replacing it. Members of the Rutherford County Commission's Property Management Committee toured the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center with jail leadership, WGNS reported on Sept. 28, 2026.

How Overcrowded Is the Rutherford County Jail?

• Built for: about 550 inmates
• Daily population: roughly 1,050
• Peaks: up to 1,200

The original building, which now serves as the female annex, opened in 1988. A multistory addition was finished in 1998 to address crowding, but WGNS reports overcrowding returned shortly after it opened.

What the Sheriff's Office Says

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Deputy Chief Bernard Salandy said the 1998 addition was designed without enough input from frontline staff. He said planning for a new facility will gather feedback from employees at every level. RCSO says its goal is to build "the top detention facility in the state."

After the tour, Sheriff Kenneth Barrett, Chief Deputy Todd Sparks and Deputy Chief David Hailey met with the commissioners. Barrett said walking through the facility gives officials a clearer understanding of why a new jail is needed.

What Happens Next?

According to RCSO, about half of all county commissioners have now toured the jail as discussions about its future continue. No site, cost or timeline for a new jail had been announced as of Sept. 29.

A new jail would be one of the biggest decisions facing the county's new leadership, which took office Aug. 31. For more on county government, see OnlyInMurfreesboro's coverage of Mayor Randy Allen's first month and the Rutherford County page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many inmates does the Rutherford County jail hold?

The Rutherford County Adult Detention Center holds roughly 1,050 people a day, with peaks up to 1,200, according to the Sheriff's Office.

What is the capacity of the Rutherford County jail?

It was built to hold about 550 inmates.

Is Rutherford County building a new jail?

County commissioners and the Sheriff's Office are discussing a new facility, and about half of the commissioners have toured the current jail. No plan, site or cost had been announced as of Sept. 29, 2026.

When was the Rutherford County jail built?

The original building opened in 1988 and now serves as the female annex. A multistory addition was completed in 1998.

Source: WGNS.

*Illustration: AI-generated image of a detention center exterior; not the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.*