Criminal Investigations

Investigative Operations includes the Criminal Investigations and Narcotics Units. The Narcotics Unit is also known as the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force. These units are now unified, and operate jointly.

Responsibilities

Investigative Operations is responsible for the investigation of major crimes, including:

• Arson
• Burglary
• Child Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Drugs
• Homicides
• Missing Persons
• Robbery
• Sex Crimes

Investigations

In 2019, the unit investigated 1,466 cases. The unit continues to see a steady increase in cases each year. In addition, the unit investigates Internet crimes such as child sexual exploitation and identity theft. They continue to work with ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) to conduct investigations pertaining to the protection of America’s children on the Internet.

Sex Offender Registration

The Sheriff’s Office also handles all sex offender registration in Blount County. All sex offenders must register with authorities within 48 hours of changing addresses, taking a new job, enrolling in college, or moving out of state. At the end of 2019, there were 266 sex offenders residing in Blount County, which is a slight rise from 2018. A list of those registered on the sex offender registry is available through the Sex Offender Registry link on the Sheriff’s Office website.