Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-7-103: Purposes and duties

The Tennessee corrections institute shall:

(1) Train correctional personnel in the methods of delivering correctional services in municipal, county and metropolitan jurisdictions;

(2) Evaluate correctional programs in municipal, county and metropolitan jurisdictions. At the request of the commissioner of correction, the institute may also evaluate state correctional programs;

(3) Conduct studies and research in the area of corrections and criminal justice in order to make recommendations to the governor, the commissioner of correction and the general assembly; and

(4) Inspect all local penal institutions, jails, workhouses or any other local correctional facility in accordance with § 41-4-140 .