Shelby County Sheriff's Office

What Shelby County Sheriff's Office does

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) is a constitutional law enforcement agency of Shelby County, Tennessee, headed by the elected Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. (47th Sheriff, first elected 2018, re-elected August 4, 2022). It provides law enforcement services across unincorporated Shelby County, pre-trial detention at two jail facilities (Main Jail at 201 Poplar, expanded to 2,813 total beds across the men and women's complexes, and Jail East women's facility with 382 beds housing approximately 2,600 inmates daily and 56,000 bookings annually), courtroom security for 54 courtrooms across three courthouses, fugitive and civil levy services, and community volunteer programs. The workforce totals 1,352: 635 sworn officers, 517 jail personnel, plus 200 unpaid volunteers (68 Reserve Deputies, 113 Emergency Services, 19 Community Services).

SCSO's operations are organized into four divisions — Law Enforcement (Uniform Patrol, General Investigations, Narcotics, Fugitive, Courts, K-9, SWAT, Homeland Security, Communications/Dispatch), Jail & Inmate Services (Main Jail, Jail East, Jail Programs, Jail Medical, Chaplains), Administration (Records & Identification, Bureau of Professional Standards, Accreditation), and Volunteer Services (Reserves, Emergency Services, Community Services, Jail Volunteers, Citizens' Academy, Explorers Academy). Citizen-facing digital services include an inmate search portal, warrant search, Tennessee Public Records Act request system, video visitation via GTL and GettingOut (Telmate), inmate deposit via VendEngine/CorrectPay/ConnectNetwork, and a dedicated careers portal (scsocareers.com). The technology stack integrates Flock Safety ALPR transparency dashboards, ArcGIS-powered 'Find my 911 Address' tool, and VineLink victim notification. The agency operates a 32-drone fleet with 37 FAA Part 107 certified pilots and an internal SCSO Drone Academy launched in 2025.

Funding flows primarily through Shelby County Government tax-allocation budgets, with marginal self-generated revenue from service fees ($20 jail release verification, $15 fingerprint cards, $15 arrest tickets, $5 copies), commissary transaction commissions, and PayPal-processed public donations. Entry-level Corrections Deputy compensation is $24.04/hour ($49,999.44 annualized) with a $5,000 retention incentive. SCSO has held Triple Crown designation from the National Sheriffs' Association — one of only 68 US Sheriff's Offices to achieve this status — alongside parallel CALEA (Law Enforcement, Training, Communications), ACA (Men's and Women's Jail), NCCHC (Jail Medical), and PREA (Youth Justice) accreditations.

Name

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Legal name

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Website

https://shelby-sheriff.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Shelby County Sheriff's Office is a government law enforcement agency serving Shelby County, Tennessee. It provides patrol, investigations, court security, jail operations across two facilities housing approximately 2,600 inmates daily, inmate rehabilitation, and community volunteer programs, funded primarily through county tax allocation and led by an elected Sheriff.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Law Enforcement and Corrections Services

NAICS

Correctional Institutions (922140), Police Protection (922120)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Adult Corrections (Prisons & Jails) (BPAIAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Correctional Health, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (In-Custody) (BPAKANAG), Correctional/Detention Facility Health Departments (HLAJAAAH), Forensic & Correctional Behavioral Health Services (HLAFACAM), Juvenile Detention & Youth Custody Services (BPAKANAC)

Keywords

• Law enforcement services
• Jail corrections operations
• Court security services
• Public safety agency
• Civil process enforcement

Headquarters

HQ city

Memphis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Tax Funding: Funded primarily through Shelby County government budget allocation from tax revenues. Additional revenue generated through service fees for records, identification services, and commissary operations.
2. Service Fees: Fees collected for various services including jail release verification ($20), fingerprint cards ($15), arrest tickets ($15), and additional copies ($5).
3. Commissary Operations: Commissary services managed through contracted provider with commission or transaction fee arrangement for inmate purchases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is a constitutional government law enforcement agency providing 24/7 patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, SWAT and bomb squad response, fugitive apprehension, and traffic enforcement across unincorporated Shelby County, Tennessee. It also operates two jail facilities (Main Jail at 201 Poplar and Jail East) with approximately 2,813 beds housing an average daily population of ~2,600 inmates, providing pre-trial detention, inmate medical care, rehabilitation programs (GED, vocational training, mental health, substance abuse), and secure court services across 54 courtrooms in three Shelby County courthouses.

Product overview

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law enforcement agency and pre-trial custodial keeper operating two jail facilities (Main Jail at 201 Poplar and Jail East). The agency is organized into four primary operational divisions: Law Enforcement (Patrol, Investigations, Narcotics, SWAT, K-9, Homeland Security, Communications), Jail & Inmate Services (detention, inmate programs, jail medical, chaplain services), Administration (records, professional standards, accreditation), and Volunteer Services (Reserve Deputies, Emergency Services, Community Services, Jail Volunteers, Explorers Academy). Key public-facing digital services include an inmate search portal, warrant search, records request system, jail visitation scheduling (via GTL), inmate deposit processing (via VendEngine/CorrectPay), and a careers portal (scsocareers.com). The agency also operates a Drone Unit with 32 drones and 37 FAA Part 107 certified pilots, launched in 2018 and significantly expanded in 2025 with the SCSO Drone Academy. The agency has achieved 'Triple Crown' accreditation designation from the National Sheriffs' Association, with separate accreditations for jail, medical, and law enforcement divisions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Inmate Search Portal
• Warrant Search
• Records Request System
• Jail Visitation Scheduling (GTL)
• GettingOut Video Visits
• Inmate Deposit (VendEngine/CorrectPay)
• SCSO Careers Portal
• Drone Unit / SCSO Drone Academy
• SCSO Mobile App
• ConnectNetwork
• Flock Safety Transparency Dashboard
• VineLink Victim Notification Service
• Reserve Deputy Program
• Emergency Services Volunteer Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 105,000+ volunteer hours donated annually, saving taxpayers millions of dollars
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• HopeWorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for HiSet/GED program allowing inmates at both 201 Poplar and Jail East facilities to receive high school equivalency diplomas. HopeWorks instructors teach classes and graduation ceremonies are held with families attending. Partnership has helped numerous residents acquire GED credentials while incarcerated.
• Memphis Shelby County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partnership providing GED and educational programs to inmates within the jail facilities.
• TN WD COGIC (Church of God in Christ)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with program founders providing staff instructor who mentors participants through addiction recovery program designed to help ex-offenders get out and stay out of jail. Based on Twelve Steps of spiritual principles.
• Shelby County Office of Re-EntrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration focused on helping inmates successfully re-enter society after incarceration, including the Clothes Closet program providing clothing for men leaving 201 Poplar without clothing.
• TN Dept. of Workforce & DevelopmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development partnership supporting vocational training and employment preparation for inmates preparing for re-entry.
• Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege-level vocational courses offered at Youth Justice and Education Center including Measurements, Materials & Safety courses. In 2025, 10 participants with 2 graduates receiving certificates.
• State of Tennessee Mother's Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership established to provide awareness and education regarding drunk driving prevention and its impacts.
• Urban Family MinistriesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Anger Management and Parenting classes for inmates at both men's and women's facilities. Urban Family Ministries provides certified instructors for program delivery.
• Shakespeare ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts education partnership providing theatrical programs for youth and women at jail facilities.
• Pathways To Success M.O.V.E Mentorship ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMentorship program partnership for youth offenders at the Youth Justice and Education Center.
• Shelby County Community Services Division Crime Victims Rape Crisis CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide Domestic Violence awareness and support services to inmates.
• Rev. Kirkwood and Rev. BoyceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReligious leaders partnering for youth engagement programs at the Youth Justice and Education Center.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordination with FBI for terrorism tips reporting and joint operations including FBI Crimes against Children Task Force participation.
• Tennessee Fusion Center (TFC)coreTechnology or IntegrationInformation sharing partnership for homeland security and threat analysis coordination.
• Shelby County Office of Preparedness (HLS/EMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmergency management coordination for homeland security and disaster response operations.
• Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC)majorTechnology or IntegrationCriminal intelligence information sharing center providing analytical support and crime data.
• ORIJIN EducationmajorTechnology or IntegrationRehabilitative tablet program providing residents with educational opportunities and career-readiness content through digital tablets.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Axon Enterprise: Primary provider of body-worn cameras, TASER devices, and digital evidence platforms to law enforcement agencies including SCSO-adjacent sheriff's offices. Not a peer in operations, but a key enabling technology vendor whose product roadmap shapes sheriff's office capabilities.
• Flock Safety: Provider of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras and the public transparency dashboard deployed by SCSO. Not an operational peer, but a strategic technology partner that supplies the agency's public-facing transparency portal and patrol ALPR infrastructure.

Broad incumbents

• The GEO Group: A leading private prison and community-based corrections operator whose secure services, rehabilitation programming, and inmate transportation mirror SCSO's jail and reentry functions, while operating across federal, state, and local government contracts rather than as a single constitutional office.
• CoreCivic: Largest US private corrections and detention operator running secure facilities, inmate programming, and reentry services — overlapping with SCSO's jail operations, rehabilitation programs (GED, vocational, addiction), and accreditation-driven compliance — but operating as a private contractor across many jurisdictions rather than a single county.
• U.S. Marshals Service (Federal): Federal agency operating detention facilities, court security, fugitive apprehension, and prisoner transport across all 50 states — the federal analogue to several core SCSO functions (jail operations, court security, fugitive bureau), providing scale and operational benchmarks.

Direct peers

• Harris County Sheriff's Office: Houston-area sheriff's office operating one of the largest jail systems in the US alongside patrol, investigations, and court security — a service mix and operational scale closely parallel to Shelby County's combined law-enforcement-and-corrections charter.
• Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: Phoenix-area sheriff's office combining large-scale jail operations, county patrol, and court security under an elected sheriff. Comparable in scale, geographic scope, and the breadth of in-custody programming and accreditation-driven compliance.
• Cook County Sheriff's Office: A major urban county sheriff's department operating large jail facilities (e.g., Cook County Jail), court security, and county-wide patrol. Like SCSO, it combines adult corrections, law enforcement, and court services under a single elected sheriff, making operations and accreditation pressures directly comparable.
• Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department: The largest Sheriff's Office in the United States, delivering the same combined model of county-wide law enforcement patrol, multi-facility jail operations, and courtroom security that SCSO operates. Its accreditation profile, court-services structure, and inmate-population scale make it the most directly comparable peer for SCSO.
• Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office: Florida's largest county law enforcement agency combining municipal-style patrol, court security, and jail operations under a sheriff-led charter. Its blended service model and large inmate population make it a direct operational peer to SCSO.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/shelbytnsheriff
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ShelbySheriffTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/ShelbyTNSheriff
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shelby-county-sheriff-s-office
• Instagraminstagram.com/shelbytnsheriff

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Shelby County Sheriff's Office