State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, announced his appointment to serve on the Juvenile Justice Review Commission.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, announced his appointment to serve on the Juvenile Justice Review Commission.
Scarbrough was appointed to the commission by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, to help review juvenile justice cases and provide findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly.
“I’m truly honored to have been selected to serve on Tennessee’s Juvenile Justice Review Commission,” Scarbrough said. “I’m dedicated to the important and transformative work ahead as we strive to strengthen the juvenile justice system and create lasting, positive outcomes for youth across the state.”
Scarbrough brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience to the commission, and his expertise as the current Executive Director of the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center.
“Rep. Scarbrough’s law enforcement background and strong leadership make him an ideal choice for the Juvenile Justice Review Commission,” Sexton said. “His service will be instrumental in advancing accountability and delivering safer outcomes for children, staff and communities across Tennessee.”
During his first year as a lawmaker, Scarbrough championed several pieces of legislation related to the criminal justice system including mandatory behavioral training for individuals convicted of Class A misdemeanors, an expansion of the state’s racketeering law and a broader definition of harassment to include in-person communication.
The commission will review adjudicated juvenile cases involving critical incidents and systemic concerns to explore potential legislation or policy changes that can improve the system.
Critical incidents include escape, aggression towards staff, abuse by staff, self-harm or incidents involving the need for in-patient psychiatric treatment.
Systemic concerns include out-of-state placements, the diagnosis of intellectual disabilities while in state custody, transfer of juveniles to adult corrections, or extreme placement instability.
The 20-member commission includes lawmakers, juvenile court judges, a district attorney, law enforcement officials, and representatives from the Tennessee Depts. of Children’s Service (DCS), Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and Education (TDOE).
It also includes child development experts and an individual with first-hand experience as an adjudicated juvenile within the state’s system.
Scarbrough’s term begins immediately and the commission’s first meeting will be in the coming months.
Rick Scarbrough represents District 33 which includes part of Anderson County. He serves on the Judiciary Committee, Insurance Committee, Criminal Justice Subcommittee and Insurance Subcommittee.
###