Following the resignation of Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) Commissioner Frank Strada, 9th Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson has released a statement urging Governor Bill Lee to seize the opportunity to overhaul the troubled state agency.

Johnson pointed to a turbulent past year marked by severe security issues, internal violence, the tragic death of a correctional officer, subsequent inmate fatalities, and two failed executions. These incidents, he noted, have severely undermined public confidence and raised pressing concerns regarding the department’s operations.

With Strada’s departure, Johnson emphasized the urgent need for a fresh direction to restore accountability and stability to the state’s prison system. Furthermore, as one of Tennessee’s 32 District Attorneys General, he expressed hope that state leadership will actively collaborate with prosecutors, local law enforcement, and corrections professionals.

Highlighting a shared commitment to public safety, Johnson concluded that local legal and law enforcement experts stand ready to assist the administration in identifying vulnerabilities and implementing practical solutions to protect both Tennessee communities and correctional facilities.