ELIZABETHTON — The new Carter County Detention Center received its first annual surprise inspection from the Tennessee Corrections Institute this month and received complements and certification for the year.

Sheriff Chris Mathes said he was extremely proud of his administration and staff “for all of their hard work and dedication in serving the citizens of Carter County at the new detention center.” He said it was “a tremendous accomplishment and milestone for the newly opened facility.” He said the county’s liability is greatly reduced by receiving the annual certification.

The inspection was conducted Oct. 9 by State Jail Inspector and Facility Specialist William R. Kane. His report was recently sent to the county.

On Oct. 11, Tennessee Corrections Institute Executive Director Beth Ashe wrote a letter to Mathes informing him that the new jail met all applicable minimum standards of the state and that upon approval of the TCI Board of Control, certification would be granted.

Mathes said the inspection report commended him and his staff on operating a “clean, well-run facility” and continued to complement the professionalism displayed by the officers during the inspection process. The sheriff, county mayor and the Carter County Commission were also congratulated for opening the new Carter County Detention Center.