Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-1-104: Warden - Duties

(a) The warden has the charge and custody of the penitentiary, with the land, buildings, tools, implements and every other species of property within the precincts of the penitentiary, or appertaining to the penitentiary, under the direction and control of the commissioner of correction.

(b) The custody, welfare, conduct and safekeeping of the inmates shall be the responsibility of the warden, who will examine into the affairs of the institution daily to assure that proper standards are maintained.