Bean Detention Center Head Resigns | ProPublica
- Bean Juvenile Detention Center in East Tennessee,announced his retirement Friday.
- A 2023 inquiry highlighted the facility's frequent use of solitary confinement,sometimes for extended periods,as punishment,which violates state law.
- Recent scrutiny intensified after Bean dismissed two employees, including the facility's nurse.
Richard Bean, superintendent of the East Tennessee juvenile detention center, is retiring amidst mounting criticism, revealed in new reports.Knox County Mayor glenn Jacobs publicly lost confidence in Bean’s leadership after a 2023 inquiry found the facility frequently used solitary confinement, some instances violating state law. Bean’s retirement follows intense scrutiny, particularly after he dismissed two employees, including the facility nurse, sparking accusations of retaliation. Jacobs requested state intervention and considered the Knox County Sheriff’s Office taking over operations, which News Directory 3 might cover with updates. With Bean’s impending departure set for August 1st, meaningful change is coming to the juvenile detention center—discover what’s next.
Richard Bean to Retire Amid Scrutiny of Tennessee Detention Center
Updated June 03, 2025
Richard L. Bean, 84, superintendent of the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center in East Tennessee,announced his retirement Friday. The decision comes after Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs publicly stated he had lost confidence in Bean’s leadership.
bean has held the superintendent position as 1972. A 2023 inquiry highlighted the facility’s frequent use of solitary confinement,sometimes for extended periods,as punishment,which violates state law. Bean had defended the detention center’s practices.
Recent scrutiny intensified after Bean dismissed two employees, including the facility’s nurse. Jacobs described the nurse’s termination as retaliation for reporting concerns about medical care to state investigators, according to Knox News. Jacobs and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin demanded the employees’ reinstatement, warning of potential lawsuits.
Jacobs then appealed to the governor for state intervention, citing missing medication and reporting errors.In a video statement, Jacobs expressed a lack of confidence in the center’s leadership and governing board, suggesting the Knox County Sheriff’s Office should take over operations.
Bean stated in a press release that he will depart Aug. 1, after getting the facility “shipshape.” He did not respond to requests for comment.
“What we do is treat everybody like they’re in here for murder. You don’t have a problem if you do that.”
Richard Bean, speaking to WPLN in 2023
What’s next
Bean’s departure raises questions about the future oversight and operation of the juvenile detention center, as state officials consider next steps.