Metro Council to choose acting Davidson County sheriff next week

The Metro Council will vote on Nov. 17 to appoint an interim sheriff for Davidson County. The Rules Committee interviewed the two remaining candidates on Tuesday following the surprise departure of Sheriff Daron Hall. Ruby Joyner and Jared Irvine are the only nominees for the temporary position.

Joyner currently serves as acting sheriff. She has worked for the sheriff's office since 1999, holding roles such as jail administrator, director of training, chief of corrections, and chief deputy. Hall and the council's Minority Caucus both support her nomination. Irvine nominated himself after serving as a lieutenant in the office.

Both candidates addressed a new state law that requires Tennessee sheriffs to join a partnership program with federal immigration agencies. Joyner said she would implement a model of the lightest intensity that does not differ much from current practice. She emphasized the need to keep facilities safe and employees satisfied. “We need more resources for those individuals who have tougher issues to manage,” Joyner said. “We’ve got to be real creative.”

Irvine stated that he would consult with Metro Legal and ensure paperwork is in order. He said he would treat federal agencies the same as any other agency. He also pledged to collaborate with local healthcare organizations on inmate care and improve educational opportunities for people in custody.

The candidates also discussed a recently funded plan to build a new detention facility. Irvine described jail overcrowding as a byproduct of recidivism and a lack of outside investment. He supported modern facilities to treat inmates humanely. Joyner called existing conditions deplorable and said a new facility is necessary.

Hall announced his retirement last month, two months after winning a seventh term. He was the longest-serving sheriff in the county's history. He cited a rare opportunity in the private sector for his decision to step down. The interim sheriff will serve until the August 2028 election.

Irvine said he plans to run for sheriff in 2028 regardless of whether he is named to the interim post. Joyner has already opened a campaign account for the 2028 election.