Uniformed Services
law enforcement services
  • Patrol Services
    Patrol Services

    Patrol deputies respond to all basic calls for law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated parts of Hamilton County and inside any municipalities as necessary 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. HCSO Patrol Deputies respond to both emergency and non-emergency situations ranging from traffic crashes to domestic situations and are responsible for over 500 square mile area of Hamilton County.


    To submit a tip to Patrol Services, click the button below:


  • School Resource Deputy Unit
    School Resource Deputy Unit

    The School Resource Deputy (S.R.D.) Unit comprises a specialized team of 45 veteran law enforcement officers assigned full-time to elementary, middle, high, and charter schools across Hamilton County. S.R.D.s collaborate closely with school administrators to foster a safe environment for students, parents, faculty, and visitors on campus.


    Beyond their law enforcement duties, S.R.D.s serve as mentors, counselors, coaches, and educators. They conduct classroom instruction on a range of topics including D.A.R.E., bullying prevention, decision-making skills, legal issues, and more. The S.R.D. Unit is overseen by 4 Sergeants and 1 Lieutenant, ensuring effective supervision and support.


    To submit a tip to S.R.D., click the button below:


  • Uniformed Special Operations
    Marine Patrol
    Marine Patrol

    The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our waterways. Operating throughout the scenic rivers, lakes, and reservoirs of Hamilton County, our team of highly trained deputies are equipped to handle a wide range of responsibilities. From routine patrols to responding to emergencies, the Marine Patrol Team is committed to protecting both residents and visitors who enjoy our county’s aquatic environments. We enforce boating laws, provide assistance to stranded vessels, and conduct search and rescue operations, all while promoting safe and responsible boating practices.


    Beyond their enforcement duties, Marine Patrol deputies are often the first to respond to emergencies on the water, providing critical assistance in situations such as accidents, medical emergencies, and water rescues. They work tirelessly to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. The team also collaborates with other law enforcement agencies and emergency services to enhance overall safety on the water. Whether it's through vigilant patrolling or swift action in times of crisis, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Team is dedicated to making our waterways safe and secure for all.


    Traffic & K-9 Unit
    Traffic & K-9 Unit

    The Hamilton County Traffic Unit is a highly trained group of deputies dedicated to reducing traffic collisions and ensuring public safety within the 576-square-mile jurisdiction of Hamilton County. Traffic Deputies focus on identifying traffic law infractions, criminal activity, and providing public assistance when needed.


    Traffic Investigators thoroughly investigate various traffic related incidents, including fatal and serious crashes, as well as those that result in minor property damage. These investigations can be complex and requires the investigator’s extensive education, training, and advanced technology to produce detailed reports for the District Attorney to support lawful prosecution.


    A notable aspect of the Traffic Unit is their use of Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles for enforcement, daily patrol activities, and special events such as funeral processions, parades, and motorcades for dignitaries.


    The Traffic Unit also trains members of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in basic, advanced, and reconstruction traffic courses, along with other related subjects. Traffic Investigators also analyze traffic crash patterns and use speed monitoring devices to prepare reports that help determine areas needing focused traffic-based enforcement. The unit assists other agencies with traffic enforcement and escorts as needed. The HCSO Traffic Unit is committed to reducing traffic-related fatalities and maintaining public safety in Hamilton County, Tennessee.


    School Patrol
    School Patrol

    The Hamilton County Traffic Unit is a highly trained group of deputies dedicated to reducing traffic collisions and ensuring public safety within the 576-square-mile jurisdiction of Hamilton County. Traffic Deputies focus on identifying traffic law infractions, criminal activity, and providing public assistance when needed.


    Traffic Investigators thoroughly investigate various traffic related incidents, including fatal and serious crashes, as well as those that result in minor property damage. These investigations can be complex and requires the investigator’s extensive education, training, and advanced technology to produce detailed reports for the District Attorney to support lawful prosecution.


    A notable aspect of the Traffic Unit is their use of Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycles for enforcement, daily patrol activities, and special events such as funeral processions, parades, and motorcades for dignitaries.


    The Traffic Unit also trains members of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in basic, advanced, and reconstruction traffic courses, along with other related subjects. Traffic Investigators also analyze traffic crash patterns and use speed monitoring devices to prepare reports that help determine areas needing focused traffic-based enforcement. The unit assists other agencies with traffic enforcement and escorts as needed. The HCSO Traffic Unit is committed to reducing traffic-related fatalities and maintaining public safety in Hamilton County, Tennessee.


  • Tactical Operations
    Hostage Negotiation Team
    Hostage Negotiation Team

    The Hostage Negotiation Team (H.N.T.) is a specialized unit trained to respond to dangerous incidents like barricaded suspects or hostage situations. Collaborating closely with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and Incident Command, negotiators employ their training and expertise to achieve peaceful resolutions in high-risk scenarios. They may also be called to assist in situations involving an individual experiencing a personal or mental health crisis.


    During an incident, H.N.T. personnel use advanced equipment and training to gather critical intelligence to support negotiation efforts while working alongside SWAT and incident command. Through active listening and rapport-building, negotiators aim to secure subject compliance when possible.


    SWAT
    SWAT

    The HCSO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is comprised of highly trained deputies who are trained to respond to a wide range of operations including high-risk incidents or critical, life-threatening situations. These situations include hostage rescues, barricaded suspects, high-risk warrant services, dignitary protection, high-value target and site area security, waterborne operations, woodland operations, search and rescue, and high-risk fugitive apprehensions.


    Every team member must attend both basic and advanced SWAT schools, ensuring they are well-prepared for high-risk operations. After gaining tenure, team members can seek certification in specialized areas such as less lethal and chemical munitions, sniping, or explosive breaching. The team also includes a Tactical Emergency Medical section, which features tactical medics from Hamilton County EMS.


    SWAT team members are equipped with the latest technology, including night and thermal optics and improved communication devices, to enhance their operational effectiveness. The SWAT team also supports law enforcement partners throughout the tri-state region, providing critical assistance and ensuring regional security through collaborative efforts.


    The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and respect. They engage in various community outreach programs to educate the public about safety and the role of SWAT in law enforcement-based operations. The team maintains a rigorous training schedule to ensure operational effectiveness.


    C.B.R.N.E.
    C.B.R.N.E.

    The HCSO Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (C.B.R.N.E.) team was established in 2018 to enhance the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office's response to hazardous material incidents and suspected WMD situations. The team conducts monitoring, detection, stabilization, and testing of suspicious materials as well as crime scene processing in hazardous environments.


    Each member completes 186 hours of specialized training to become fully operational. The HCSO C.B.R.N.E. team is part of the Hamilton County Chattanooga Hazmat Team, one of only two FEMA Level 1 hazmat teams in Tennessee, which also includes Chattanooga Fire Special Operations, Hamilton County Hazmat, and the Chattanooga Police Bomb Squad.


  • Judicial Security Services
    Judicial Security Services

    Judicial Security Operations is responsible for the safety and security of the Hamilton County Courts Building, the Hamilton County Courthouse, Hamilton County Juvenile Court and Child Support Court, and the Hamilton County Tag & Title Offices. They provide a dedicated law enforcement presence in our courtrooms and protect the safety and integrity of our judicial proceedings.


    Their operations consist of providing security for over twenty court rooms and ensuring the safe transport of over 13,000 inmates annually to and from the Hamilton County Jail to State and Federal Court proceedings. In addition to their daily security operations, the unit averages 80 apprehensions per month, varying from warrant-based arrests to narcotics and weapons violations, and assaults.


    Judicial Security Operations regularly conducts safety assessments of our court facilities and county offices, updates emergency plans, and seeks opportunities to upgrade the physical security of the buildings it protects.


  • Support Services
    Law Enforcement Training & Professional Development
    Law Enforcement Training & Professional Development

    The Training and Professional Development Unit at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to providing premier training to both law enforcement and civilian personnel. The unit consists of four full-time staff members: one lieutenant, one sergeant, one deputy, and one civilian.


    To enhance training quality, adjunct instructors from across the agency are enlisted to teach specialized topics or assist with mandatory training. Annually, the unit conducts the required in service training for all sworn and certified law enforcement personnel, as mandated by the Tennessee P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission). Additionally, the unit offers specialized training in tactical firearms operations, foot pursuit tactics, DUI detection, and active shooter scenarios


    The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office excels in Training and Professional Development, extending its training services to various local and state agencies. This unit is committed to equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure their safety and deliver exceptional law enforcement services to the citizens of Hamilton County.


    Criminal Records Unit
    Criminal Records Unit

    The Criminal Records Unit (C.R.U.) is our agency’s central repository for securing and distribution of criminal records and is designed to meet the needs of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, other law enforcement agencies and the general public. To accomplish this goal, Records Unit personnel maintain the highest level of up-to-date and accurate information, complying with all state and national standards.


    The C.R.U. is responsible for maintaining accurate and secure databases of all law enforcement reports, transmitting reports to TIBRS (Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System) for collection and analysis of crime data. This includes entering and maintaining Wanted Persons, Order of Protections, and Domestic Violence Conditions of Release into the NCIC system and the certification of all Deputies, Corrections, and Civilian Staff for NCIC access. C.R.U. personnel also assist the public and other law enforcement agencies with obtaining copies of accident, incident, and/or arrest reports as well as sending notifications to individuals and insurance companies regarding towed vehicles.


    Fleet Services
    Fleet Services

    The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Fleet Services is dedicated to maintaining and managing our agency’s fleet of vehicles, ensuring that our deputies have safe, reliable, and well-equipped transportation to perform their duties effectively. Our fleet includes a diverse range of vehicles, from patrol cars and motorcycles to specialized units for tactical operations and community outreach. Each vehicle is meticulously serviced and outfitted with the latest technology and equipment to support the safety and efficiency of our deputies and the public. Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are key to keeping our fleet in optimal condition, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation.


    Our Fleet Services team comprises skilled mechanics, technicians, and administrative staff who work together to manage the lifecycle of every vehicle, from procurement to decommissioning. They ensure that all vehicles meet rigorous safety standards and are operational 24/7, ready to serve the community. The team also focuses on implementing innovative solutions to improve vehicle performance and extend the lifespan of our fleet. Through their dedication, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Fleet Services plays a crucial role in supporting our mission to protect and serve the community with excellence and integrity.


How Do I...?

Residents in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County can contact dispatch at 423-622-0022 to report a crime. Any emergencies should be reported to 911.

For non-emergencies, residents can contact the HCSO’s Non-Emergency number 24/7 at 423-622-0022. For emergencies, please dial 911.

Accident and Incident Reports may be obtained by contacting our Records Office at 423-209-7111 or can requested and picked up in person at our West Annex located at 6230 Dayton Boulevard.

Please note: Make sure that the report was completed by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. There are over seven additional law enforcement agencies with jurisdictional authority in different areas of Hamilton County.

To look up an open warrant, click the button below: