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State Prisons

Warden Ricky J. Bell

Riverbend Maximum Security Institution
7475 Cockrill Bend Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0471
(Davidson County)
(615) 350-3100

*Use the zip code 37209-1048 for inmate correspondence.



Warden Ricky J. Bell
Biography

 

Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI) opened in 1989 and replaced its 100 year-old neighbor, the Tennessee State Penitentiary.  Even today, it's billed as one of the state's most high-tech facilities.  RMSI, which is made up of 20 different buildings with approximately 320,000 square feet of operating space, sits on 132 acres located off Cockrill Bend Boulevard.  Riverbend's designated capacity is 714 offenders.  Of that number, 480 are classified as high risk.

In addition to housing the majority of the state's male death row inmates, Riverbend is also home to approximately 600 maximum and medium security inmates. The overall mission of the institution is to house and manage high-risk male offenders, including those sentenced to death, to ensure the safety of the public, departmental employees and inmates while providing rehabilitative programs.

Education programs at the prison include GED and Adult Basic Education. There are also vocational classes available for printing, commercial cleaning, residential construction, cabinet making/millwork and computer information systems. TRICOR, the prison industry, also manages a data entry plant and print shop at the prison.  Inmates not involved in academic vocation, or industry programs are required to work in support service roles throughout the facility.

Ricky Bell, who is a 39-year veteran of the department, has been the warden at Riverbend since March of 1995.  Warden Bell oversees a staff of nearly 400 people, including administrative workers, correctional officers, unit managers, mental health and contract medical staff.

Directions


I-40 West to Exit 204A (Briley Parkway) to exit 26B (Centennial Boulevard West.)  Exit to the right.  After exiting, go through two stop light intersections. Go approximately two miles.  Riverbend is on the left.

I-40 East to Exit 204 (White Bridge Road). Turn left after exiting.  The road will become Briley Parkway.  Take Exit 26B (Centennial Boulevard West) off Briley Parkway.  After exiting, go through two stop light intersections.  Go approximately two miles.  Riverbend is on the left. 

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Interesting Facts...


  • Received first inmates on Sept. 28, 1989
  • Total construction cost: $35 million
  • Annual operating budget: $24 million
  • 320,000 square feet of operating space
  • Security Designation - Maximum
  • Accredited by ACA

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