Tennessee

The state's problems in following its own lethal injection protocol are more extensive and complicated than officials have acknowledged

Sheriff Jim Hammond said the money will go toward the recruitment and retention of qualified COs

The development comes after Gov. Bill Lee's decision last month to abruptly halt the execution of inmate Oscar Smith

The pause will remain in effect through the end of the year to allow time for the review and corrective action

The death of Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, marks the first known death of an American citizen in the ongoing war

The bill would prohibit inmates convicted in eight violent crime categories from using good behavior credits to reduce their sentences

The issue dealt with "mishandling" of the drugs intended for Oscar Smith's lethal injection, his attorney's office said

The 37% salary increase for new Tennessee Department of Correction officers raised annual starting pay to $44,500

A third escapee remains on the run as of Wednesday afternoon

“They’ll do anything they can to sneak in drugs," the sheriff's office wrote in a Facebook post

Current officers will see a minimum 15% hike in their pay

"I'm here to let inmates know that they can get a job, make a livable wage and get out of their former lifestyle," said one employer

Sheriff Tom Spangler also says he will not comply with a federal vax mandate that will make his office an even less attractive place to work