The Sheriff’s Office includes five patrol detachments – Adam, Baker, Charlie, David and Echo Shifts.  The department also includes the Traffic or Tango Unit, comprised of fourteen officers who focus on traffic enforcement efforts such as speeding and intoxicated motorists, as well as investigating automobile accidents. The goal of this Unit is to provide extensive coverage of traffic calls, allowing the Patrol Division to focus on keeping a strong presence in Knox County neighborhoods.  The Whiskey Unit is comprised of six officers who work primarily at night, and whose primary assignment is targeting DUI Offenders.  The Fox Trot Unit is a separate detachment of six officers that provide an intensive three month Field Training Officer program for new graduates of the Basic Police Recruit School.  These newly certified officers must first pass this rigorous course of field instruction with an FTO Officer before being placed in his/her own patrol vehicle.

The School Police Unit was established in 1999, and is comprised of thirty-five officers. Each one is assigned to a school in Knox County, and reports to that school when in session.  The Officer is responsible for developing a “plan of action” in the event of a fire, bombing, hostage situation, or other life-threatening situations.

 Patrol has also benefited with the establishment of the Mobile Data System.  The KCSO received funding under the COPS Office grant program for laptop computers to use in patrol vehicles.  These computers have car-to-car messaging capability, in-field reporting capability, access to county wide email, and can run license checks, VIN checks and stolen article checks.  In addition, officers can share mugshots, and within the next year they will be able to share in-car video.

In 1997, the KCSO began the School Bus Safety Committee to investigate and report on school bus accidents.  The committee formed an Accident Response Team comprised of Sheriff’s Office officials and representatives from the school system.  They respond to accidents scenes, and provide valuable analysis of contributing factors to the accident.