Road Patrol

Committed to Protecting and Serving Blount County

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Unit is dedicated to maintaining safety and security across our community. Our highly trained officers patrol the streets, highways, and rural areas of Blount County 24/7, ensuring a rapid response to emergencies and maintaining a visible law enforcement presence.

The Patrol and Public Safety Operations is comprised of the uniformed patrol staff, the Traffic Safety Unit, the School Resource Officers Unit, and the K-9 Unit. The Patrol Unit consists of three patrol shifts as well as the Traffic Safety Unit, each staffed with a lieutenant, a sergeant, two corporals, and at least six patrolmen per shift to provide patrol services for Blount County. These services include handling dispatched calls for service, proactive patrol, traffic enforcement, traffic accident investigations, and preliminary criminal investigations.

Patrol Zones

Blount County is divided into four separate geographical areas known as patrol zones. Two patrolmen are assigned to each zone, 24/7. They are responsible for providing patrol services to their assigned areas. There is also a Zone 5 deputy who is stationed at the Blount County Justice Center to respond to requests for phone calls and walk-in reports. The Patrol Unit includes 90 P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified deputies who patrol Blount County’s 584 square miles and 1,637 miles of roadway.

Zone 1

This zone includes the area west of Montvale Road and south of U.S. 321 West. Fairview Elementary, Mary Blount Elementary, and William Blount Middle and High Schools are included in this zone. The area is primarily rural residential with some industry on William Blount Drive and U.S. 411 South. This zone also contains the section of Highway 129 known as “The Dragon.” It is a curvy road that travels from Blount County into North Carolina. This zone also includes the Happy Valley community.

Zone 2

Zone 2 starts north of U.S. 321 West and west of Alcoa Highway. This area includes Middlesettlements and Friendsville Elementary schools and surrounding communities. It also encompasses the Louisville community and sections of Fort Loudoun Lake. McGhee Tyson Airport and parts of the cities of Alcoa and Maryville are also included in this zone.

Zone 3

This zone starts east of Alcoa Highway and north of Sevierville Road. It includes Eagleton, Rockford, and Porter elementary schools and communities. It is primarily a residential area with some industry and business on Alcoa Highway and Old Knoxville Highway.

Zone 4

Zone 4 encompasses the communities south of Sevierville Road and east of Montvale Road. This is a large zone and contains Walland Middle, Montvale and Townsend Elementary Schools and Heritage High and Middle schools. The communities included are Top of the World, Oakview, and Rocky Branch. This zone is primarily rural residential. It also includes part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. The Sheriff’s Office is often called upon by the National Park Service for assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Our Road Patrol officers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Traffic Enforcement: Ensuring that all traffic laws are obeyed to reduce accidents and improve road safety.
• Emergency Response: Rapidly responding to 911 calls and other emergencies to provide immediate assistance.
• Crime Prevention: Patrolling neighborhoods to deter criminal activity and provide a sense of security to residents.
• Incident Investigation: Conducting thorough investigations of traffic accidents, criminal incidents, and other emergencies.

Community Policing, Building Trust and Collaboration

Community policing is a cornerstone of our approach at the Blount County Sheriff’s Office. We believe that strong relationships between law enforcement and the community are essential for effective policing. Our officers are encouraged to engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to solve problems.

By fostering open communication and building trust, we aim to create a safer, more cohesive community. Our Road Patrol officers participate in community events, conduct neighborhood watch meetings, and work closely with local organizations to address community-specific issues.

How We Serve

Visibility and Presence

The Road Patrol Unit ensures a consistent law enforcement presence throughout Blount County. Whether it’s patrolling residential areas, monitoring traffic on major highways, or responding to incidents in rural regions, our officers are always on the move to keep our community safe.

Crime Deterrence

A visible police presence is a powerful deterrent to criminal activity. Our officers patrol in marked vehicles and on foot, making their presence known in high-traffic areas and neighborhoods. This proactive approach helps prevent crime before it happens, providing peace of mind to residents.

Emergency Assistance

In emergencies, every second counts. Our Road Patrol officers are trained to respond swiftly and effectively to all types of emergencies, from accidents and medical emergencies to natural disasters and criminal incidents. They provide immediate assistance, coordinate with other emergency services, and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.