Knox County Sheriff's Office

What Knox County Sheriff's Office does

The Knox County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) is the primary statutory law enforcement agency for Knox County, Tennessee, serving a civilian population of 470,313 residents. The agency operates across Patrol (14 zones, averaging 399 calls per 24 hours), three correctional facilities (Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, Knox County Jail, and the Work Release Center housing 300+ Corrections Division employees), and an extensive set of specialized units including Aviation (fleet of four OH-58+ and one UH-1H Huey helicopters), K-9, Marine Operations and SURT, SWAT, SORT, Mobile Field Force, Hazardous Devices Unit (FBI-accredited bomb squad serving 15 surrounding counties), Cyber Forensics Laboratory, Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU), and Homeland Security. KCSO also runs Pre-Trial Release Services supervising ~2,500 defendants, a Sex Offender Registry tracking 800+ offenders, a Gang Intelligence Unit monitoring 1,500+ known gang members across 985 identified gangs, and a School Patrol Unit covering 41 schools.

Core technology products include the KCSO 411 mobile app for crime tips and alerts, a Cyber Forensics Laboratory with hardware-based forensic imaging, cellular telephone acquisition systems, and secure evidence storage at 1000 N. Central Street, the Digital Intelligence Unit supporting crime analysis/mapping and ICAC investigations, inmate communications platforms (JailATM for video visitation and messaging, CorrectPay for deposits and scheduling, Securus for phone services), and specialized operational equipment including EOD robots, bomb suits, and dive gear. The agency is integrated with federal task forces (FBI JTTF, ICE, ATF, DEA) and operates a Regional Training Academy.

The agency is primarily funded through the Knox County government budget derived from taxpayer dollars; revenue/budget figures are not publicly disclosed on the agency's website. Ancillary revenue streams include transaction fees from inmate services (remote video visitation at $5.99 per 30-minute call, messaging at $0.40/message, ATM cash deposit surcharges of $3.45–$4.95, and credit-card deposit surcharges of 5% plus $3.45), public services fees (background checks $15, fingerprinting $25 for 3 cards, crash reports at 15 cents/page), DUI School at $175 per 8-hour session, and asset-forfeiture funding for the Aviation Unit. The CAPP program generates approximately $2,000,000 in annual cost savings versus incarceration at $76.83/day and reports a 12% recidivism rate. Distribution is direct to citizens through 911 dispatch, three precincts (North/East/West), online self-service portals, correctional facilities, and three court locations.

Name

Knox County Sheriff's Office

Legal name

Knox County Sheriff's Office

Website

https://knoxsheriff.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

1792

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Government law enforcement agency providing patrol, corrections, investigations, and specialized services to Knox County, Tennessee's 470,313 residents, operating three correctional facilities and units for aviation, marine operations, cyber forensics, and bomb disposal.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Law Enforcement Services

NAICS

Correctional Institutions (922140), Police Protection (92212), Parole Offices and Probation Offices (922150)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Correctional Facility Operations (Prisons & Jails) (BPAKANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Corrections (Probation, Parole & Reentry) (BPAIAFAE), Public Sector Guarding (Government Buildings, Courthouses) (BPAKAAAG)

Keywords

• Law enforcement services
• Corrections management
• Criminal investigations
• Public safety dispatch
• Court security services

Headquarters

HQ city

Knoxville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Primary funding through Knox County government budget, funded by taxpayer dollars. Agency operations including law enforcement, detention facilities, and community programs.
2. Inmate Services Fees: Fees collected for video visitation ($5.99/call), ATM deposits ($3.45-$4.95 surcharge), commissary, phone time, and messaging services for inmates.
3. Public Services Fees: Fees for background checks ($15), fingerprinting ($25 for 3 cards), crash reports (15 cents per page), incident reports, and other public records.
4. DUI School: DUI school courses offered at $175 per session, providing education to offenders as part of court-ordered programs.
5. Asset Forfeiture: Aviation unit and operations funded through drug seizures, fines and forfeitures at little cost to taxpayers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Knox County Sheriff's Office is a county-level public safety agency that delivers patrol and criminal investigation services, operates the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility for corrections and inmate management, and provides court security, civil process service, and specialized tactical response (SWAT/HNT, K-9, Marine, Aviation) to Knox County, Tennessee. It also runs the Knox County Public Safety Communications (911) District and the Regional Training Academy.

Product overview

The Knox County Sheriff's Office is a law enforcement agency providing comprehensive public safety services to Knox County, Tennessee, serving 470,313 civilians. The organization operates multiple interconnected divisions including Patrol, Corrections (with three facilities: Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, Knox County Jail, and Work Release Center), Investigations, Special Teams, Technology Units, and Support Services. Core technology products include the Cyber Forensics Laboratory for digital evidence analysis, Digital Intelligence Unit for crime analysis and mapping, video visitation and messaging systems for inmates (via CorrectPay and JailATM platforms), and the KCSO 411 mobile app for crime tips and alerts. The agency also provides specialized units like Pre-Trial Services with electronic monitoring capabilities, a Hazardous Devices Unit (FBI-accredited bomb squad), Sex Offender Registry, Cold Case Investigation Unit, and Organized Retail Crime Unit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Patrol and Law Enforcement Response Countywide patrol operations through KCSO precincts (Forks of the River, Halls, West, South, East, Carter, Hardin Valley) responding to calls for service from Knox County residents and visitors.
• Criminal Investigations Division Investigative services including Homicide, Robbery, Burglary, and other general investigations targeting serious and felony crimes in Knox County.
• Corrections and Inmate Management at Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility Secure housing and management of inmates at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, including intake, classification, inmate programs (AA/NA, religious services, library), work release, and bond processing.
• Court Security Services Court security officers assigned to Knox County Criminal, General Sessions, and Chancery Courts to maintain order and protect court facilities.
• Civil Process Service Service of civil process documents including summons, subpoenas, and court orders in Knox County.
• Special Operations and Tactical Response Specialized tactical units including SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), HNT (Hostage Negotiation Team), K-9, Marine, and Aviation units providing high-risk response capability across Knox County.
• Knox County 911 Emergency Communications Operation of the Knox County Public Safety Communications (911) District, providing 24/7 emergency dispatch for law enforcement, fire, and EMS across Knox County.
• Knox County Regional Training Academy Law enforcement training delivery including Basic Police School, Corrections Officer School, instructor development, and specialized certification courses for KCSO and regional agencies.
• Electronic Monitoring Program Pre-trial and sentenced offender supervision through electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) technology as an alternative to incarceration.
• Digital Forensics Laboratory Digital evidence examination and forensic analysis supporting criminal investigations across the agency.
• Video Visitation and Inmate Messaging Remote video visitation and electronic messaging services that allow inmates at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility to communicate with family and friends.
• DUI School Court-referred DUI education program for individuals convicted of driving under the influence in Knox County.
• Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Course Court-referred defensive driving program for young drivers, typically aged 15-24, offered as a traffic safety diversion program.
• Community Policing and Safety Programs Community engagement programs including Neighborhood Watch, TRIAD (senior safety), Crime Stoppers, and school resource officers.
• Sex Offender Registry and Public Records Access Online access to the Knox County sex offender registry, public records requests, and court live audio streaming.
• KCSO 411 Mobile Application Official KCSO mobile application providing public access to agency information, news, alerts, and contact tools.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average 399 calls answered every 24 hours by Patrol Unit
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• DoD SkillBridgeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO participates in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, providing transitioning military personnel with opportunities to gain civilian work experience through internships with the Sheriff's Office.
• FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Homeland Security Unit maintains task force officers with FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force for counter-terrorism operations and intelligence sharing.
• Department of Homeland Security ICEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Homeland Security maintains task force officers with DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency for immigration enforcement and intelligence.
• Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO receives and provides intelligence through TBI, including access to TBI Most Wanted fugitives list and Sex Offender Registry.
• ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for explosives investigations and violent crime enforcement. Intelligence sharing through Homeland Security Unit.
• DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntelligence sharing and joint operations for drug enforcement and narcotics investigations.
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Homeland Security Unit liaison with FEMA for disaster preparedness and emergency response coordination.
• TEMA (Tennessee Emergency Management Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level emergency management coordination for disaster response and preparedness.
• KEMA (Knoxville Emergency Management Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal emergency management coordination for Knox County disasters and emergencies.
• Department of Energy Y-12 National Security ComplexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntelligence sharing for national security at Y-12 facility in nearby Oak Ridge.
• Young Williams Animal CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Animal Crimes Unit works with Young Williams Animal Center as liaisons for animal welfare enforcement and services.
• Knoxville Police Department (KPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO works in conjunction with Knoxville Police Department to serve and protect citizens of East Tennessee.
• NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO maintains priority in keeping children safe through relationships with NCMEC and their NetSmartz program for online safety education.
• TN ICAC Task Force (Internet Crimes Against Children)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Cyber Forensics Unit works closely with TN ICAC Task Force and responds to Cyber tips from NCMEC for child exploitation investigations.
• Rural/Metro Fire DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCombined training, resources, and responses with Rural/Metro to form Knox Regional Special Hazards Team.
• TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Marine Operations assists TWRA in ensuring safety of boaters and waterways in Knox County.
• American Job CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer specialists from American Job Center facilitate Job Readiness classes for inmates and program participants.
• Operation HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperation Hope Financial Well-Being Coaches facilitate Money Management classes for inmates.
• YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYWCA runs Freedom Inside program for women who have been abused, teaching techniques to deal with damage from abuse.
• Sexual Assault Center of East TennesseeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacilitates UNBROKEN group for sexual trauma survivors and provides PREA-related support.
• Peninsula Peer Support AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuns Peer Support group dealing with depression and anxiety for inmates.
• UT Law ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUT Law Clinic facilitates Expungement Education program for inmates.
• Knox County General Sessions & Criminal CourtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDriver's License Specialist facilitates Drivers License Workshop for reinstatement of licenses.
• Maximus Child Support ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Tennessee Dept. of Human Services facilitating Child Support Education Sessions.
• KCDC (Knox County Development Corporation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacilitates Leasing Up program providing resources for public housing placement.
• United States Marshal's Smoky Mountain Regional Fugitive Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Criminal Warrants officers assigned to US Marshal's task force for fugitive apprehension throughout East Tennessee.
• Tennessee Department of Homeland Security Fusion CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntelligence sharing and coordination through state fusion center for homeland security.
• FBIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Hazardous Devices Unit operates under FBI bomb squad command and is fully accredited by FBI.
• Tennessee Gang Investigator's AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCSO Gang Unit detectives are professional members and office holders in the association providing gang training and court testimony.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• CoreCivic: Nashville-headquartered private corrections and detention operator. Useful not-as-a-direct-competitor but as a publicly-traded proxy and adjacent party in the corrections services ecosystem that interacts with public sheriff's offices.
• Allied Universal: Private security services contractor providing guarding, monitoring, and event security across the US. Relevant comparison for the contracted monitoring pieces (e.g., Allied Universal GPS) that complement KCSO's pre-trial electronic monitoring stack.

Broad incumbents

• Cook County Sheriff's Office: Large urban Illinois sheriff's department with extensive correctional operations, federal task-force integration, and pre-trial supervision. A scaled-up reference for the public-sector law enforcement model KCSO operates.
• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department: One of the largest sheriff's departments in the US operating multiple jails, court services, and specialized units. Provides a reference point for operating scale and breadth even though the size differential is substantial.

Direct peers

• Rutherford County Sheriff's Office: Middle Tennessee sheriff's office providing patrol, corrections, and pre-trial services under Tennessee Corrections Institute oversight. Comparable accreditation and state regulatory framework.
• Hamilton County Sheriff's Office: County sheriff's office in Chattanooga, TN providing patrol, corrections, court security, and specialized units. Closest in-state comparator for size and scope of municipal-county law enforcement delivery.
• Loudoun County Sheriff's Office: Large suburban Virginia sheriff's office operating a full jail, pre-trial, court security, and investigative divisions. Comparable comprehensive service profile outside of Tennessee.
• Shelby County Sheriff's Office: Memphis-area Tennessee sheriff's office operating multiple detention facilities, pre-trial supervision, and federal task-force participation. Similar state-level regulatory and accreditation environment.
• Blount County Sheriff's Office: Adjacent East Tennessee county sheriff's office and a frequent regional partner. The current Knox County Sheriff previously served as Blount County Assistant Chief of Training; cultural and operational alignment is high.
• Davidson County Sheriff's Office: County sheriff's office serving Nashville/Davidson County with correctional facilities, pre-trial services, and federal task-force integration. Comparable consolidated urban-county structure like Knox County.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/knoxsheriff
• Facebookfacebook.com/knoxsheriff
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knox-county-sheriff-s-office
• Instagraminstagram.com/knoxcountysheriffsoffice/?hl=en

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Knox County Sheriff's Office