KCSO
KCSO
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office operates three facilities, each offering a secure and well-maintained environment for the inmate population while providing for the safety of staff and surrounding communities.
New correctional officers attend a Correctional Officer Training Academy that is eleven weeks in length, one of the longest and most comprehensive in the Southeastern United States. The Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility utilizes a direct supervision concept where inmates live in one of 19 pods, with over 1,000 beds. One such pod is an infirmary housing males in one section and females in another. The Knox County Jail utilizes the linear supervision concept, where inmates are in individual cellblocks with 215 beds.
The Knox County Work Release Center houses approximately 90 inmates who are on work crews.
The Intake Center, serving all local, state, and federal law enforcement communities, is the gateway into the Knox County Penal System and processes more than 30,000 individuals annually.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office strives to reduce the rate of recidivism through a variety of programs, which allows inmates to prepare themselves to, again, become productive citizens in our community.
“I arrived at the KCSO looking for a career. Through countless opportunities afforded to me, I was able to learn and hone our principle core values: Professionalism, Integrity, Leadership, Accountability and Innovation. All of which assisted me in being a progressive leader at the KCSO.”
“One of the best agencies in my area to fit my needs. I definitely couldn’t think of a better place to work.”
“Since starting with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in December 2003, I have made several friends I consider my Brothers and Sisters. However, one is more special than the others and that is Sgt. Travis Oldham. He in fact is my brother. Having grown up in the military, moving every 4 years and being close in age, Travis has always been my best friend. Travis is the reason I joined KCSO. He would tell me stories about work, and I kept thinking, “That seems exciting.” It took him about a year and a half to finally convince me to apply. We still enjoy sharing stories with each other whether they are good or bad. We challenge each other to be better. We lean on each other for advice when times get tough.
Fast forward almost 19 years later, and I still do not have any regrets.”
“Since starting with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in December 2003, I have made several friends I consider my Brothers and Sisters. However, one is more special than the others and that is Sgt. Travis Oldham. He in fact is my brother. Having grown up in the military, moving every 4 years and being close in age, Travis has always been my best friend. Travis is the reason I joined KCSO. He would tell me stories about work, and I kept thinking, “That seems exciting.” It took him about a year and a half to finally convince me to apply. We still enjoy sharing stories with each other whether they are good or bad. We challenge each other to be better. We lean on each other for advice when times get tough.
Fast forward almost 19 years later, and I still do not have any regrets.”
Adhering to standards, conduct, and/or qualities generally accepted by the general population and/or specific group of like-minded individuals.
Adhering to moral and/or ethical values in and out of the public eye.
Guiding and/or influencing others for the betterment of all involved.
Accepting and owning one’s own actions in any and all situations.
Learning and adopting new and better methodologies to be implemented for personal, public, and work aspects of life.
Staying committed to your values, promises, and aspects throughout all of one’s life.
The mission of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division is to maintain a safe, secure and efficient correctional environment by promoting the continuous training of correctional professionals, reaffirming training through leadership and staff accountability, and making a positive impact on reintegration and recidivism by offering innovative and comprehensive offender programming. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division is dedicated to providing the most efficient and effective correctional system possible.
KCSO strives to have progressive leaders in the field of Corrections through leadership development and the use of innovative technology.
As soon as you become an employee you realize there is a plethora of assistance willfully provided for you. With close coworkers, helpful supervisors, and a caring administration, you can rest assured that you have a family-like atmosphere now a part of your life.
Adhering to standards, conduct, and/or qualities generally accepted by the general population and/or specific group of like-minded individuals.
“In 1980 when I began my career as a corrections officer, I was eager and apprehensive at the same time. The time I served the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in corrections was the foundation for my career. There are many things I recall learning during that time that helped me throughout the years. One thing I learned, and applied when training other officers, is when you least expect it, expect it! I’m proud of the hard work these folks do, and I’m very proud of the way they have adapted and overcome many obstacles while dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic. These have been very trying times for our country and our community. This year, we say an extra special THANK YOU for all they’ve done!”
-Sheriff Tom Spangler
On July 20, 1985 the burned body of Betty Joyce Brown,aka Simmons, was found in the woods at 3805 Maloney Road in South Knox County. The 29 year old Austin-East graduate had been stabbed before being burned. Ms. Brown was last seen on July 14, 1985 between midnight and 1:00am in front of the Bread Box at Magnolia Ave and Spruce Street. It is believed that Ms. Brown was offered and accepted a ride from an unknown subject. Ms. Brown’s last know address was 2737 Tarleton Ave. Initial investigation indicated that when Ms. Brown’s body was found, she had been dead approximately 1 week. Family members described Ms. Brown as being a “very sweet and loving mother.”
If you have any information please call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at (865)-215-3520/3590 or e-mail coldcase@knoxsheriff.org.