TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jul 20, 2026

The Republican nominee for Shelby County sheriff is proposing the construction of a separate jail for misdemeanor offenders, nonviolent defendants, inmates with mental health needs and those requiring medical care, according to the Daily Memphian. Brad Less, a lieutenant with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, said the existing Shelby County Jail should be reserved for individuals charged with violent crimes. He argues that a lower-security facility could improve access to treatment while reducing inmate transportation needs. Less, who faces Democratic nominee Anthony Buckner in the Aug. 6 general election to succeed term-limited Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., also voiced support for the Memphis Safe Task Force and said he would continue the sheriff's office's cooperation with federal immigration authorities as required under state law.