A legislative proposal by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has strengthened the state’s Indecent Exposure law. Now, Inmates at jails and other correctional centers who “expose themselves” to jailers and other staff, may have to register as a Sex Offender.

“Our efforts are an important step to keep Tennessee jails and prisons as safe as possible. This change in the Indecent Exposure law will send a clear message, especially to inmates who, at times, will purposely expose themselves to our staff,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Effective July 1, 2007, intentional sexual exposure to a correction officer is a violation of the Indecent Exposure law. A person who is convicted three times of “Indecent Exposure” must register as a Sex Offender for life.

Sheriff Luttrell believes the new law will reduce the number of indecent exposure incidents. Already this year, there have been 250 indecent exposure cases involving inmates at the Shelby County Jail. “Inmates need to think twice before exposing themselves. We’re posting notices throughout the jail about the change in the Indecent Exposure law,” added Sheriff Luttrell.