2022 WILLIAMSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Annual Report

Each year as we assemble the annual report for you we analyze our data, review photos we took and tucked away for posterity, and reflect on our past twelve months. We discuss our progress to date, and our future goals and objectives. It’s an opportunity to look at this organization from a bird’s eye view. It’s also made me contemplate how these days some of the deputies get a literal bird’s eye view of the sheriff’s office and the whole county – through the windows of our helicopters or through the eyes of a drone. This was unimaginable when I joined over 40 years ago.
My career in law enforcement began right here in Williamson County on June 1, 1979 under Sheriff Fleming Williams. Fleming was first elected sheriff in 1970, coming into law enforcement after a background in the oil business. This county had remained a rural community since the Civil War when several violent local battles gutted the younger population and damaged the economy. When Fleming came into office, Williamson’s population was just beginning to grow after nearly a century of stagnation. Friday night entertainment for the younger crowd was simply cruising up and down the square in downtown Franklin but countywide violent crime was rather high. Murder, robbery, and burglaries were more frequent. Alcohol contributed heavily to crime. There were a surprising number of whiskey stills and bootleggers. Small beer joints and clubs dotted the map where nasty fights would frequently break out. Many local markets sold alcohol illegally on Sundays or to the underage. Fleming took office with a mission to improve the community and a plan to build a reputation of integrity and professionalism for WCSO. There were term limits in place at the time, so in 1976 Fleming’s wife, Ophelia Williams, was elected sheriff for two years and Fleming served as her chief deputy. Fleming could then be re-elected as sheriff in 1978.
In mid-1979, the sheriff’s office and jail were on Bridge Street in Franklin. Although this jail no longer exists, the two jail buildings prior to it still stand nearby on Bridge Street today. This jail was a small, one story red brick building built in 1971 that had four “drunk tanks” and usually housed about 40-50 inmates with one jailer to guard them. Sgt. James Lankford, “Hun” Crowder, and Charles “Big Daddy”
Pope were the regular day, evening, and night jailers. The sheriff’s office was a small group – less than two dozen for sure.
When Fleming hired this young man from West
Tennessee, he assigned me to day shift patrol to work staggered ten-hour shifts, five days a week along with Deputy Garland Russell and Sgt. James Lane (Lane pulled double duty serving state warrants and patrolling with us). Roddy Parker served civil warrants. Three other deputies worked night shift patrol. With our staggered schedules, there would be just one lone officer protecting the entire county for a few wee hours of the morning. Captain John Easley was Fleming’s right hand man. Detectives Frankie Bryans and Tommy Atkinson handled investigations. Our support staff was one records/evidence clerk (Linda Ryan), a dispatcher (Elsie McCord), and Ophelia Williams who handled administrative duties, finances, and civil paperwork.
As a new deputy, there was no formal training. I shadowed on patrol for a single ten-hour shift that flew by and then it was off to patrol the streets on my own. Six weeks of training at the state’s TLETA academy would come the following spring. The office supplied essentially no equipment and bulletproof vests did not even exist. We had to provide our own guns, and my choice was a Smith and Wesson .357 revolver. We did not initially have take-home vehicles; they ran hot 24/7 as we hopped out of the driver’s seat and the next shift hopped in. I drove a Plymouth Satellite Sebring with one beacon light on each end and just an AM radio. However, the vehicle coveted by everyone else was Roddy Parker’s 1977 Dodge Monaco with an FM converter in it. Other day shifters would race to get to work early in hopes of snagging it for themselves. Deputies did not arrive late for their shift with that prize on the line. We would eventually get FM converters for the other cars too. One of my additional duties became equipping and maintaining our vehicles. We would add our own takedown lights using aftermarket fog lights from local stores, and when Fleming purchased us some new shotguns, we bought shotgun racks at the Standard Farm Store in Franklin and mounted them ourselves. Fleming was strict about keeping new equipment clean and in good working order. He was conscious of our reputation and the public’s faith in us. In fact, he even had a rule that if we wanted to go out for a drink off the clock we needed to do it in Nashville or another county. There would be no drinking or misbehaving from his own men in his own county.
My first big felony arrest came in August of 1981 for a cattle-rustling incident. Herbert and Agnes Nichols filed a report for two stolen calves worth $1,400. A call came in later that night saying the suspect vehicle may have returned to the area. We stopped a station wagon near Triune and
found a little calf still in the backseat of that car. The thief, Joe Walsh, was also a Metro Nashville fire inspector and additional investigation at his farm found 46 other cows confirmed or suspected as stolen. They indicted him on eleven counts of larceny of cattle (he pled guilty to three counts), gave him fifteen years and sentenced him to serve two years in the pen.
Meanwhile, the department was expanding to combat crime. Between 1980 and 1981, I was promoted to patrol corporal and then patrol sergeant, and Fleming added personnel to the road and the jail that now held some 80-odd prisoners at a time. He also began a “One Man, One Car” program in early 1985, starting with five new vehicles to reduce maintenance needs and increase response times. Enter my first take-home patrol car: a 1980 Dodge Diplomat. Some of our newest cars had aerodynamic light bars. It was still my duty to outfit the vehicles and now I was stocking them with new cage styles with enhanced safety features, shotguns, Slim Jims for lockouts, first aid kits, blankets, and fire extinguishers. Next, the county approved seven more positions. Several went to patrol, one to warrants, and one to investigations, and Fleming promoted me to patrol lieutenant in July 1985, placing me in command of the field division.
Heading into the last years of the 80s, Williamson was growing and we were feeling the effects. The jail started regularly overcrowding and it was time to plan a new facility. We continued to add personnel at a rapid pace, now totaling about 85 employees between the patrol side and the jail. We were proactive on the streets, combating illegal sales by going undercover to buy whiskey or an illegal short-barreled shotgun, or maybe beer on Sunday. We occasionally got
assistance from THP’s helicopter scanning Williamson County from the sky to report marijuana fields and whiskey still locations back to us on the ground. We had long patrolled the county in three established zones. Zone 1 in the north included Grassland and lands now annexed by Brentwood. Zone 2 was vast, ranging from Fairview along Hwy 96W, out to I-65 and down to Maury County. Zone 3 picked up from I-65 and covered the east end from Nolensville down through College Grove. Zone 3 would now split to create a Zone 4 in the southeast communities like Peytonsville, Flat Creek, and College Grove. The new layout plus more patrol deputies would speed response times and allow us to combat both a recent surge in armed robberies in the Goose Creek area and higher call volumes in Thompson’s Station after the Saturn plant migration. A 1986 change in federal law affecting first responders and overtime pay required even more personnel for a transition from five ten-hour shifts to five eight-hour shifts. There was a growing need for specialized units. Forward planning for a vice investigator and a tactical team were put in the works. The tac team would need training, bulletproof vests, tear gas and gas masks. In 1987, we trained and posted our very first school crossing guards at Grassland, Page, and Nolensville schools. In 1989, we moved into our newly built $7 million, 210-bed jail facility on Century Court.
A new decade brought a new elected sheriff for the first time in my career. Sheriff Lance Saylor headed our office from 1990-1994, which had grown to 115 employees to staff the larger jail facility. As a former director of the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force, he naturally brought a focus on drug enforcement, implementing D.A.R.E and S.T.A.R.S. programs for students, and participating in an interagency DUI task force. M.A.D.D. donated several video cameras for us to document drunk driving via the “Eye on DUI” program. That’s right folks, clunky, full size VHS recorders were now mounted in some patrol cars. In 1991, he appointed our first female patrol deputies, assigning Sharon Lambert to patrol, Melissa Brown to crime prevention and D.A.R.E., and Mary Lou Bartlett to state (criminal) warrants.
We initiated the Explorers program for our teens, and implemented an offender-based alcohol and drug treatment program in the jail for recovery and reduced recidivism. Our hiring process included a physical fitness and agility test for the first time. The Cool Springs Galleria had opened in Franklin, bringing growth, tourism, and traffic. By the mid-90s, it was necessary to restructure the patrol zones again, carving out parts of zones 2 and 4 to make a zone 5 from south of Franklin through Thompson’s Station and Burwood and down to the Maury County line.
Bill LeCates was elected sheriff in 1994 and carried us into the new millennium. He brought with him a focus on training and technology. By 2000, we had already expanded our jail capacity 100%, now housing 450 beds. Within a few years we would be approaching 200 employees across the divisions.
Sheriff Ricky Headley served from 2002 to early 2007 and made community interaction and visibility a priority. He also restructured and expanded the command staff in late 2002, including promoting me to a newly established chief deputy position. Sections of I-840 began opening in our county, and we created an interstate crime interdiction unit of two deputies partnered with drug detection dogs. Patrol now had mobile data terminals (MDTs) mounted in their vehicles to display and log call information, and they started carrying AR-15 rifles in their vehicles. I served the office for a short period as interim sheriff during 2008 until our next sheriff would be chosen in a special mid-term election that year.
Sheriff Jeff Long had been with our sheriff’s office in the mid-70s before going on to serve in the district attorney’s office and with the TBI. Under Sheriff Long, we elevated the special operations division, breathing new life into
repurposed government surplus equipment. A swift water rescue team was established after the May 2010 floods left Middle Tennessee scrambling. Responsive to the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting, he pushed for a major expansion of the school resource officer division to add over 30 SROs in the elementary schools. By 2015, we had over 250 total employees. In 2016, special operations incorporated helicopters for our use and as a mutual aid resource for surrounding agencies and counties. In 2018, the governor-elect appointed Jeff Long as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and I was once again named interim sheriff until my own election later that year.
My aim as sheriff is to continuously improve and advance our office. Our mission statement is “to provide the citizens and visitors of Williamson County effective and efficient public safety services with consistency, professionalism, competence, and transparency”. In effort of that mission, I have implemented body worn cameras throughout the divisions, starting with patrol in 2019. Completing a three year, in-depth review of our policies and procedures ultimately awarded us accreditation by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program in 2020 and a reaccreditation in 2022. This is the third annual report released to the community to keep you informed. We have established the first crisis intervention team in the county, and added a mental health co-responder partnership to certain calls for service. Additionally, we are actively in the process of seeking a newly offered, enhanced Tier 1 TCI Accreditation for our detention facility. Consistency, professionalism, competence, and transparency.
June 1, 2023 starts my 45th year with this office. I am proud to simultaneously lead this agency and be its longest serving active employee. I’m fortunate that a handful of employees who joined around the same time I did are still here serving with me. Others are still active in law enforcement elsewhere, like Commissioner Jeff Long and Nolensville Police Chief Roddy Parker. But, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. We are always fighting to maintain competitive pay. We are always seeking technology that helps us do our jobs more efficiently and keep up with criminals’ innovation. Our local agencies still work together to solve crime, because criminals don’t care about jurisdictions. So yes, I think about that sheriff’s office of 1979 – a couple dozen employees in that small brick building with very little equipment or training but plenty of enthusiasm for the work. I think about the sheriff’s office – my office –of today: several hundred employees spread out among five buildings until the newly planned sheriff’s office and jail can be built. The new, larger jail will account for projected population growth in the area, and the new sheriff’s office will rejoin our personnel under one roof with space for admin offices, a K-9 training facility, an updated gun range, a helicopter launch pad, and a renovated special ops space. Today’s deputies drive safer vehicles equipped with dash cams, mapping, and MDTs. They use body cams, cell phones, Tasers, portable AEDs and other lifesaving equipment and medicine. They get good equipment. They get good training. And yes, they too, have enthusiasm for the work. I’m excited to see where we are today. I’m excited to see where we go tomorrow. I hope you are too!
“True leadership lies in guiding others to success.
In ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well.”
Bill Owens
“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” Sam WaltonSergeant Brant Pewitt– SRO Life Saving Award Deputy Adrian Finch– Patrol Life Saving Award Deputy Lee Witt – Patrol Purple Heart Deputy Chandler Rowe – Patrol Purple Heart Sergeant Becky Coyle – Administration Medal of Meritorious Service Lieutenant Chris Mobley – Patrol Medal of Honor
5 YEARS
Brandon Bryant
Lee Eaves
Jon Hollars
Chris Hyder
Andrew Morris
Keller Phillips
Jodie Stinson
Cody Walden
Kevin Teague
10 YEARS
Ted Boyd
Miles Collett
Wesley Crigger
Stephen Graham
Ernie Hill
Clay Ingram
Chad Nalley
Shoshonna Shoap
Kendylle Silva
Lee Witt
15 YEARS
Steven Craft
Tammy Crutcher
Ryan Rogers
Kristyn Slabaugh
Regina Huckelba
20 YEARS
25 YEARS
30 YEARS
40 YEARS
“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”
– Fred Rogers
The mission of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is to provide the citizens and visitors of Williamson County effective and efficient public safety services with consistency, professionalism, competence, and transparency.
Integrity: We are committed to the enforcement of laws and the preservation of order and property. We are honest, truthful, and consistent in our words and actions, and therefore worthy of the public’s trust.
Professionalism: We treat the public and our colleagues with courtesy and respect. We understand that our appearance, words, and demeanor contribute to the public’s confidence in us.
Commitment: We are committed to working collaboratively with community members to improve and enhance the quality of life for both citizens and visitors of Williamson County.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is a dedicated and diverse group of professionals. We will continue to strengthen community relationships and public trust while striving for excellence through employee development, self-discipline, and strong leadership.
Training is one of the most critical responsibilities of any law enforcement agency. The WCSO Training Division serves three broad purposes. First, well-trained deputies are generally prepared to act decisively and correctly in a wide range of situations. Second, effective training results in greater productivity and effectiveness. Finally, training fosters cooperation and unity of purpose.
The WCSO Training Division researches, coordinates, prepares, and provides necessary P.O.S.T. in-service continuing education training with our personnel. Additionally, the WCSO Training Division is one of only six agencies in the state approved by the Tennessee Corrections Institute to certify and provide annual in-service for their own employees.
2022 Activity Highlights
1,370 IN-HOUSE TRAINING HOURS
260
OUTSIDE TRAINING HOURS HOSTED
230
HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION - STAFF
P.O.S.T In-Service
• Eight (8) forty-hour courses
• 320 hours of training
T.C.I Mandates
• Six (6) sixteen-hour courses
• 96 hours of training
Less-Lethal Impact Munitions
• Four (2) two-hour training sessions
• 8 hours of training
REID Child Abuse
• One (1) twenty-four-hour course * HOSTED
• 24 hours of training
Strategic Self-Defense and Gun-fighting Tactics
• Two (2) forty-hour courses - *HOSTED
• 80 hours of training
TASER 7 Transition:
• Eleven (11) eight-hour training sessions
• 88 hours of training
Citizens Police Academy
• One (1) four-hour range day
• 4 hours of training
Court Security In-Service:
• Four (4) thirty-two hour courses
• 128 hours of training
Detention Training Academy
• Two (2) 215-hour courses
• 430 hours of training
The WCSO Training staff completed continuing education courses including:
• Tennessee Law Enforcement Spring & Conferences
HOSTAGE
PHASE
Professional Standards and Accreditation is primarily responsible for managing the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation process to ensure that each area of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office meets or exceeds TLEA minimum standards. Accreditation requires an in-depth review of every aspect of our organization’s management, operations, and administration including:
• Assisting in the establishment of goals and objectives with provisions for periodic reports and updates;
• Continuous evaluation of agency resources to ensure they are being used in accord with agency goals, objectives, and mission;
• Development of WCSO policies and procedures, and reevaluation of policies and procedures as documented in the agency’s written directive system and ensuring that every employee has access;
• Reporting annual operation analysis to measure overall performance;
• Analyzing data to identify internal deficiencies and inefficiencies for early intervention.
On April 29, 2020, this office achieved accreditation through the Tennessee Law Enforcement Association (TLEA). Our first three-year re-assessment cycle review occurred in September 2022, and we are proud to say we were awarded our second Certificate of Meritorious Accreditation!
(L-R) Chief Randy Brackins - Gatlinburg PD, Chief Deborah Fulkner - Franklin PD Sheriff Dusty Rhoades and Sergeant Becky Coyle - WCSO Assistant Chief Jeff Abeln - Collierville PD
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office conducts administrative analysis of all high-priority policies, procedures, and operations as required by TLEA Accreditation Standards. High-priority standards include the use of force; show of force; pursuits; complaints; bias-based policing and misconduct investigations. This analysis is used to identify legal updates, potential liability and training and budgeting needs. The following information represents an overview of 2022.
*NOTE: The number of Pursuit and Use of Force incidents below reflect actual incidents reported by WCSO deputies and may differ slightly from original calls received and entered by dispatch.
2022 SHOW OF FORCE INCIDENTS
2022 PURSUIT INCIDENTS
2022 PURSUIT INCIDENTS
Total Reports: 26
All Incidents were determined to be proper conduct and within policy.
Total Reports: 62
Within 32 Incidents
All incidents were determined proper conduct and within policy.
Total Reports: 47
Total Reports: 40
One incident was determined not within policy, involving seven deputies.
All seven deputies received mandatory WCSO Pursuit policy and procedure retraining, and three of the seven were suspended.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office accepts and impartially investigates all complaints or allegations of misconduct to determine validity and to timely impose any disciplinary or non-disciplinary corrective actions that may be warranted. Complaints may be received in writing, verbally, in person, by mail, telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, or any other means. In 2022, the WCSO investigated a total of eighteen complaints involving POST certified Deputies. The results of those investigations are depicted in the following graphic.
DETERMINED PROPER CONDUCT
The allegations were true, but the employee’s action was consistent with departmental policy, legal and proper.
The allegations are demonstrably false or there is no credible evidence to support it.
3
The allegation was determined true. The employees actions were inconsistent with policy.
2- Received Verbal Reprimand 1- Received counseling.
In both reported cases there was insufficient proof to confirm or refute the allegation.
1
MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS
The complaint was determined to be founded, and the deputy was terminated.
0
We had no reported bias-based complaints.
The WCSO Executive Administrator provides administrative support for the sheriff and chief deputy by performing a wide variety of administrative tasks.
This position oversees Human Resource and Quartermaster responsibilities and coordinates two WCSO community programs: Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy and the Citizens’ Assurance Program (CAP).
The Human Resource Coordinators are responsible for maintaining personnel records, payroll records and records of leave as requested.
Additional responsibilities include maintaining the WCSO Quartermaster, where Sheriff’s Office equipment and uniforms are purchased and tracked for employees.
ADMINISTRATOR: Jennifer
DavisThe Finance and Accounting Division manages three major financial areas for the Sheriff’s Office: accounting, budget, and payroll. Accounting incorporates all areas of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and revenue collections.
In September, the comptroller for the State of Tennessee completed our annual audit and once again, there were NO FINDINGS. Sheriff Rhoades congratulates them on a job well done.
In October, Williamson County Commission unanimously approved over $1.6 million in salary adjustments to apply to all TN POST certified deputies, TCI certified detention floor deputies, and all booking specialists. Fiscal operations personnel, WCSO administration, and human resources coordinated to disperse these funds for applicable personnel salary adjustments, job classification starting salary adjustments, and to mitigate salary compression for tenured staff. This endeavor was vital to improve staffing retention and recruitment for WCSO when law enforcement across the nation is struggling with both. Low staffing is never desirable, but in this context, it creates both an officer and public safety issue. Our personnel and administration are deeply grateful to the county commission for recognizing this and giving their support.
ADMINISTRATOR:
Sharon PuckettThe Public Information Administrator (PIA) assists media in coordinating and covering news at the scenes of incidents, and by providing information on arrests and complaint reports.
The PIA also maintains the department social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, and NextDoor.
While there are some circumstances in which information must be kept confidential in order to protect a victim, ensure officer safety, or preserve the integrity of an investigation, it is the Sheriff’s policy that whenever possible, his office remains open and candid with the public so that it may have the support of the community and thus operate more effectively.
* WCSO Media Releases 12
*Facebook - 175 Posts, over 21,000 followers.
*Twitter - 175 Tweets & Retweets, 11,000 followers.
*Nextdoor - 86 Posts or Alerts.
ADMINISTRATOR:
Barry MartinWCSO Information Technology (IT) is responsible for advanced technical work involving the installation and maintenance of computer hardware, software, and related components in support of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. Our IT is staffed by one manager and three technicians.
• SRO body camera deployment completed.
• Detention body cameras deployed.
• More than 500 Help Desk tasks completed.
• 147 department cell phone upgrades .
• 3 Interview room video systems deployed for the Sheriff’s Office, the historic courthouse and master control.
• Deployed multi-factor authentication for remote VPN connections.
• Technology build-out and programed completed for 25 patrol cars and 4 motorcycles.
• Ongoing research and planning and development for the future Sheriff’s Office facility.
Patrol consists of a broad range of law enforcement efforts like proactive patrol and crime deterrence, responding to calls for service from the public, initial incident investigation, enforcing criminal and traffic laws, traffic direction and control, public order, and community interaction and relationship building.
The Patrol Division incorporates the following units: Patrol, Traffic, K-9, Reserves, Honor Guard, and School Crossing Guards.
In January, our traffic motorcycles participated in a “sea of blue” escort honoring Memphis Police Officer Corille Jones, who was killed in a line of duty death on January 20, 2022.
On February 3rd, K-9 Deputy Chandler Rowe was shot in the shoulder when he attempted to stop a vehicle in the early morning hours. The suspect, Samuel Bennett, shot at his patrol car through the back of his vehicle while driving. He was apprehended a short time later. Fortunately, Deputy Rowe has since resumed patrolling the roadways with his K-9, Cas.
Eight deputies participated in Operation Impact 65 in early March, where multiple agencies along the I-65 corridor from Alabama to Kentucky worked to reduce speeding, crashes, and other traffic issues along the interstate.
For a week in July, WCSO joined other local and regional law enforcement across five southeastern states participating in Operation Southern Slow Down, a speed enforcement and education campaign aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and speed-related traffic deaths.
Deputies Investigate a Rollover Crash
29,045 Hours on Calls for Service
53,848 Hours Proactively Patrolling
55,025 Total Calls and Activities
Deputy Cody Walden and Fairview PD successfully spiked the tires of a vehicle Hickman County had been pursuing for aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, and kidnapping of a non-custodial child. The suspect was arrested and the baby was reunited with its mother.
Sergeant Steve Mitchell was in stationary observation of traffic along Lewisburg Pike in December when he clocked a vehicle driving approximately 104 mph. Sgt. Mitchell attempted to catch up and located it already crashed. The vehicle burst into flames. Despite the best efforts of deputies on scene, the driver could not be extracted and THP worked the fatality crash.
Patrol got a taste of rodeo in September when a bull escaped its fence and was charging people. The bull ran from the deputies who pursued him back into his enclosure.
Memphis, Sea Of Blue Escort
Williamson County has five primary patrol zones. The Town of Thompson’s Station also contracts with WCSO to provide a deputy dedicated within their jurisdiction (located primarily within a portion of zone 5, and partially in zone 4). Deputies may respond to calls at any location within Williamson County (including incorporated areas), assist other agencies, or perform self-initiated activity such as traffic stops and citizen assists.
WCSO logged 65,175 calls for service and self-initiated activity during 2022.
Patrol, K-9 and Traffic combined accounted for 55,525 incidents , or 87% of all calls and activity.
2022
Williamson County has five primary patrol zones. The Town of Thompson’s Station also contracts with WCSO to provide a deputy dedicated within their jurisdiction (located primarily within a portion of zone 5, and partially in zone 4). Deputies may respond to calls at any location within Williamson County (including incorporated areas), assist other agencies, or perform self-initiated activity such as traffic stops and citizen assists.
WCSO logged 63,175 combined calls for service and self-initiated activity during 2022. Patrol division accounted for 55,025 incidents, or 87% of all calls and activity.
Williamson County Emergency Communications Center (E-COMM) documents our calls for service and self-initiated activity via their computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. E-COMM assigns an initial call type to an incident based on information available at the time of call for service. These initial call types may not ultimately reflect what the responding deputies encounter upon arrival. Subsequent investigation and documentation dictates what (if any) crimes we report for state and national incident based reporting requirements, as well as any criminal charges brought against offenders.
63,175 calls for service and self-initiated activity combined.
Patrol / K-9 / Traffic Call Activity by Area All Activity –Includes Self-Initiated Security Checks & Market Checks
Patrol / K-9 / Traffic Call Activity by Time of Day
Excludes Self-Initiated Security Checks & Market Checks
While patrolling zones, deputies will perform proactive security checks on businesses, markets, neighborhood communities, and private residences (“vacation security checks”) whenever time permits. Patrol performed 24,788 such checks this year, which are excluded from the following, as their frequency and repetition are dependent on other priority incidents.
Patrol / K-9 / Traffic Call Activity by Day of Week Excludes Self-Initiated Security Checks & Market Checks
Patrol / K-9 / Traffic Call Activity by Month Excludes Self-Initiated Security Checks & Market Checks
Patrol Zone 1 covers areas primarily north and west of Franklin including Lynnwood Way, Grassland, Sneed Rd, Old Natchez, Del Rio, and the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge.
Patrol Zone 2 covers the west side of the county including Leiper’s Fork, Boston, Kingfield, Pinewood, Lick Creek, a large portion of I-840, and the Fairview area.
Patrol Zone 3 covers areas northeast of Franklin / north of Murfreesboro Rd including Clovercroft, Wilson Pike, northern Triune, Rocky Fork, and the Nolensville area.
Since June of 2014, the Town of Thompson’s Station has contracted with WCSO to provide a patrol deputy dedicated to their town’s incorporated area. The agreement is to provide an approximate average of 40 hours per week (2,080 hours within a year) of coverage – staffing permitting.
Top 20 Call Types: Zone 4
Patrol Zone 4 covers the southeast areas of the county including I-840 east of I-65, Arno, Peytonsville, Arrington, southern portions of Triune, Kirkland, College Grove, Bethesda, and Flat Creek.
Top 20 Call Types: Zone 5
Patrol Zone 5 covers the south central areas of the county including Columbia Pike, I-65, Henpeck, Goose Creek, Southall, a central section of I-840, West Harpeth, Carter’s Creek, Thompson’s Station, and Burwood.
Thompson’s Station
Thompson’s Station is primarily within zone 5 (and some of zone 4) including Columbia Pike at I-840, Thompson’s Station Rd, Evergreen Rd, and Critz Lane.
Top 20 Call Types: Thompson’s Station
In early January, traffic deputy Cody Richardson responded to reports of a pickup truck overturned in a creek off Smithson Rd. The truck’s cab was submerged in waist-deep murky water and it was unknown if anyone was inside. Deputy Richardson charged into the frigid water with no extra protection and submerged himself to check for occupants. Fortunately, it was unoccupied. We made contact with the driver shortly after and some nearby residents aided Deputy Richardson with getting warm and dry.
In April, Deputy Debbie Rogers was able to talk a young woman off the railing of the bridge and Corporal Jimmy Gillam was able to come behind and take hold of her for safety. The local FOP lodge honored both deputies with Lifesaver Awards for their efforts later in the year.
Deputy Wes Crigger responded in June to a call of three children injured in an electrocution in a swimming pool, including a five-year-old in cardiac arrest. He arrived to find the father administering CPR. Deputy Crigger used his portable AED and obtained a pulse, then took over CPR efforts until medical personnel arrived. The child has slowly improved and has since even returned to school.
The Drug Task Force and Dickson County had been in pursuit of a vehicle for reckless driving shortly before Corporal Jimmy Gillam
spotted the vehicle. The vehicle also fled from Cpl. Gillam, but failed to negotiate a curve and crashed into a ditch and trees. Cpl. Gillam caught up to the vehicle and found it on fire. In a quick-thinking, selfless act, he gained entry to the vehicle and removed an unconscious victim from the burning vehicle.
In late August, a vehicle traveled off Carters Creek Pike through a fence and into a pond. Deputy Cody Richardson located the car while on his way home, and Deputy James Davison arrived shortly after. They retrieved an unresponsive driver from the vehicle and administered three doses of Narcan. EMS then arrived and assumed patient care.
While patrolling the area of the bridge in December, Deputy Wes Crigger encountered an individual walking along it. During conversation, the subject informed him that he had come to the bridge to jump. Deputy Crigger was able to have the person transported to the hospital for further aid.
In June, a caller reported her estranged husband was at the bridge threatening to jump. After patrol deputies and crisis negotiators spoke with the subject for nearly three hours, Cpl. J.C. Knox was able to sneak up behind him and pull him back safely from outside of the guard onto the bridge. Sgt. Rhonda Casillas with crisis negotiations praised the “professionalism and great compassion” shown by all personnel involved.
MAY: Patrol deputies attempted to stop a vehicle driving over 100 mph along I-840. Deputies spiked the vehicle found the occupants to be four teenagers from West Tennessee. The teens ranged in age from 15 to 19, and the driver had four felony warrants out of Shelby County. Deputies found a stolen 9 mm handgun, magazines, ammo, five cell phones, and marijuana during a search of the vehicle.
JULY: A traffic stop with a K-9 alert on the vehicle led to a vehicle search that located a rifle, meth, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.
AUGUST A night shift deputy was dispatched to I-65 in for a welfare check on a subject walking along the interstate. When he encountered and identified the individual, he found they had an outstanding warrant in Nashville for failure to appear on an aggravated assault charge and took him into custody.
AUGUST: A traffic stop on Fairview Blvd and a probable cause search of the vehicle revealed 113 grams of marijuana, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with resale. The vehicle was also seized.
OCTOBER: Patrol was looking for a suspect who displayed a firearm to the victim in a road rage incident along I-840. The patrol shift sergeant located the vehicle and seized a 9 mm handgun from the driver.
NOVEMBER: A patrol deputy and his corporal made a traffic stop on a driver found to be intoxicated and in possession of over 200 assorted pills.
Our trained teams of K-9s and their handlers assist in the apprehension of suspects, in locating lost or missing persons, and in the detection of narcotics, explosive devices, hidden instrumentalities, or evidence of crime.
This unit focuses on traffic enforcement with the goal to reduce traffic collisions, increase voluntary compliance with traffic laws, and promote safe and efficient flow of traffic. As a component of Patrol, they may answer other calls for service or work a primary patrol zone if needed. Motor vehicle crashes in the county may be worked by WCSO or the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
T he statistics below represents combined Traffic and Patrol incidents. Crashes worked by TN Highway Patrol and are not included.
In December 2022, Deputy Hawken King received the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, Middle TN “Speed Enforcement Award.” Additionally, Deputies Cody Richardson and Daniel Soto received honorable mentions in the speed enforcement category.
Reserve Deputies are a valued part of our law enforcement community. Eligible volunteers complete initial and annual in-service training and firearms qualifications before donating quarterly service hours. They also typically contribute approximately $1,400 in personal expenses during their first year of activity by supplying their own service weapon and supplemental equipment while the WCSO provides their radio, badge and identification, body armor, and a quartermaster stipend.
In 2022, the unit donated 4,456.25 hours of service, or an estimated $84,668.75 in savings.
Reserve Activities
• County Commission Meeting Security
• Planning Commission Meeting Security
• School Board Meeting Security
• Community Event Security and Traffic Control
• COVID Testing & Vaccine Distribution
• Patrol
• DUI Enforcement
• Traffic Enforcement
• SWAT
• Swift Water Team
• Warrant Services
• Assisting WCSO Training Division
• Attending Training
• Special Assignments
• Representing the Sheriff’s Office as Requested
The WCSO proudly host this hands-on program for young adults ages 14-21 where cadets explore basic law enforcement procedures including criminal and traffic investigations, search and arrest warrants, narcotics interventions, building searches, K-9 handling, crime and forensic processing, and much more. They also gain benefits of personal growth, character development, improved physical and mental fitness, and opportunities for responsibility and leadership. For many of our cadets, program participation develops into a career in law enforcement – just ask some of the former explorers who are now deputies with WCSO, including our program advisor, Detective Sergeant Stephen Shaver.
Our ceremonial unit provides services for law enforcement and military funerals, presentation of colors, posting of colors, parades, and other ceremonies that give high credit to Williamson County, the Great State of Tennessee, and the United States of America. Honor Guard is a specialized team that is open to all divisions. Its members serve in this role in addition to their daily assignments.
The WCSO Honor Guard participated in 120 training hours in preparation of at least 33 professional events throughout 2022.
January Nashville Predators Hockey Game
May FOP Police Memorial Service
Franklin Rodeo
June NASCAR in Nashville
FOP State Lodge Conference
July Nashville Sounds Baseball Game
December College Grove Christmas Parade
Franklin Christmas Parade
Nolensville Christmas Parade
Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade
Spring Hill Christmas Parade
Special Operations manages specialized teams and equipment, security and operations plans for largescale or special events, and general fleet management for WCSO. Special Ops is in place to support all divisions and acts as an “insurance policy” when daily operations and equipment are insufficient to manage or resolve an incident. Their capabilities include aviation, search and rescue, swift water rescue, crisis negotiations, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT).
The WCSO maintains three helicopters and multiple certified pilots. Two Bell OH58 Jet Rangers, one outfitted with spotlight and Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR), are utilized in searches, pursuits, and over-watch in daily operations. One UH1V “Huey” utility helicopter is used for search and rescue, medical transport, large group transport, or deployment.
SWRT was created after unprecedented flooding in May 2010 exposed a need for water rescue equipment availability. The team maintains approximately 12 members plus equipment including a flat bottom boat, 2 motorized boats, 2 non-motorized self-bailer boats, and an enclosed trailer. They may be activated for local rescues or mutual aid.
The WilCo Swift Water Task Force, has been credentialed through the state since 2021. This joint venture between WCSO, Brentwood Fire, and Franklin Fire improves water rescue across the county.
Special Ops oversees and maintains the entire fleet of several hundred vehicles from initial purchase to a final stripping of markings for surplus sale. Additional special equipment includes a transport bus, traffic barricades, 6x6 trucks for difficult terrain or inclement weather, a semi tractor, a flatbed trailer, a mobile command post, generators, a lighting trailer, and search and rescue ATVs.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) responds to calls which require additional safety levels or training above standard patrol response such as: barricaded subjects, hostage situations, suicidal subjects, high-risk warrant services, or other situations as needed. The team averages 20 full-time deputies plus reserve deputies serving as medics. Equipment includes a crisis negotiation van, up-armored vehicles, and a heavily protected multi-use vehicle able to withstand high-water environments, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, or ambushes.
Crisis negotiators are part of a coordinated response to certain crisis incidents and threats of violence like persons threatening suicide, hostage situations, and barricaded subjects. Negotiators communicate with the individuals with the goal of a peaceful resolution. Our team maintains a response van equipped with a “throw phone” to help accomplish this.
The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for the prompt, effective, and efficient investigation and prosecution of crimes and offenses occurring within Williamson County. The division includes the units of Investigations, Narcotics, Evidence, Records, and Crime Analysis.
CID handles both general investigations and highly specialized case work. Many personnel in the division have additional,
542 New Cases Assigned
focused training or certifications in areas such as fraud and theft, homicide and death investigations, crisis negotiation, polygraph examination, computer voice stress analysis (CVSA), digital forensics, ESD K-9, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), elderly exploitation and abuse, sex offender registration and reporting, human trafficking, narcotics and narcotics K-9, evidence management, records and incident based reporting, crime analysis, and more.
By the Numbers340 Cases Cleared
71 Arrests Completed
62.7% Clearance Rate
Digital Forensics includes the investigation, identification, extraction, authentication, and analysis of material (evidence) found within digital devices. CID maintains an in-house digital forensics lab to process the ever increasing digital components of criminal investigations. Examinations are performed for both WCSO investigations and for local agencies who request assistance.
Detective Lee Eaves partners with K-9 Remi, a Labrador Retriever, to detect electronic devices including cell phones, flash drives, tablets, hard drives, or other electronic storage devices. Remi is trained to “hit” on lithium (found in batteries) and an organic compound often used to prevent electronics from overheating.
Remi’s skills are primarily used in child exploitation investigations, but she can be utilized for other investigations and provide emotional support for victims or responders in traumatic incidents.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Programs encompass proactive and reactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions for incidents of on-line child victimization – including the on-line sharing of child sexual abuse images.
CID continues to maintain one polygraph examiner and three Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) examiners to detect deception in pre-employment or criminal interviews.
• Detective Paul Lusk received his Certified Forensic Computer Examiner Certification (CFCE). This certification is through the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS). This rigorous process can take up to 7 months to complete and has a failure rate close to 50% for those entering the certification process.
• Detective Lee Eaves earned the IACIS Mobile Device Certified Examiner (IMDCE) Certification and the Sumuri Certified Forensic Mac Examiner (CFME) Certification.
• The Davis House Child Advocacy Center awarded Detective Raechel Haber the 2022 Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) Member of the Year.
• Detective Sergeant Stephen Shaver graduated in October from the TBI State Academy 11th Session, a four-week training program.
• In October, CID collaborated with the TN Bureau of Investigation on a local sex offender compliance check coined “Operation Dark Shadow.”
• A narcotics investigation stemming from a July 2021 fatal overdose led to a February 2022 arrest for Second Degree Murder. This suspect supplied the victim with what they believed was heroin, but which was laced with fentanyl.
• Narcotics investigators conducted a home visit with probation officers on a convicted felon who was out on parole for Attempted 1st Degree Murder and Facilitating 1st Degree Murder. They located and seized multiples firearms and high-capacity magazines from inside the home.
• Investigator John Pierce completed Basic Clandestine and Level A Response Certification Class. This certifies him for meth and Level A hazmat when responding to meth/fentanyl labs.
The Narcotics Unit operated during 2022 with one sergeant, his K-9 partner Hattie, and two investigators to pursue:
• Illegal drugs/narcotics crimes
• Illegal liquor tobacco sales or distributions
• Illegal gambling operations
• Prostitution and human trafficking
• Theft and fencing operations
• Loan-sharking
• Labor racketeering
By the Numbers
ACTIVITY
76 General Narcotic Incidents (Daytime Business Hours)
56 Narcotics Call-Outs (After-Hours)
22 Undercover Narcotics Buys
24 Grand Jury Capias Felony Warrants (Resulting from 2021 Narcotics Cases)
SEIZURES
21 Vehicles & Equipment Seized $16,782.00 Funds Seized by Narcotics and Patrol
$16,995.00 Public Auction Sales from Seized Vehicles
16 Narcotic Related Search Warrants
Evidence Custodian Kristyn Slabaugh manages and controls all found, recovered, and evidential property directed to them for safekeeping. This includes, but is not limited to: weapons, digital devices, drugs and paraphernalia, and blood or other test kits.
*Evidence processed 804 cases with evidence attached to them in 2022, and fulfilled 94 requests for dash cam or body camera video.
This division (led by Records Administrator Tina Weatherby) maintains the reports and records of the WCSO, and processes requests for public records, public fingerprinting, and local background checks. The release of records and information must be in accordance with state and federal law. WCSO follows requirements of both the Tennessee Public Records Act and Public Records Policy of Williamson County. The process for requesting and receiving public records can be found at the Williamson County website.
WCSO participates in the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System (TIBRS) whereby the state collects data on crime incidents and the elements associated with the incident.
Records also reviews traffic citations and warnings, crash reports, tow slips, and other supporting incident documentation.
*Records processed approximately 7,525 incident and miscellaneous reports in 2022 (an 8% increase from 2021 totals).
Crime Analyst Lisa Tate works with criminal investigations to identify relevant criminal intelligence data and crime patterns in investigations. Analytical products like maps, graphs, charts, or timelines may be produced for complex criminal investigations. Sex offender registry and reporting is maintained among a team of two detectives and the analyst. Additionally, she provides statistical data and research and analysis of criminal activity to the benefit and effectiveness of all WCSO operations.
*The WCSO Crime analyist processed 438 requests related to investigative and criminal intelligence and 26 requests for analytical/statistical products in 2022.
Crime Stoppers Williamson County (615) 794-4000
FRAUD RESOURCES
ID Theft Reporting and Recovery www.IdentityTheft.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) www.IC3.gov
National Do Not Call Registry www.DoNotCall.gov
General Fraud Information –Federal Trade Commission www.FTC.gov
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799 SAFE
TheHotline.org
Bridges Williamson County Domestic Violence Center (615) 599-5777 Bridges.DVC.org
ADULT SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCES
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE or www.RAINN.org
ADULT & ELDERLY NEGLECT AND ABUSE RESOURCES:
TN Adult Protective Services
1-888-APS-TENN or www.ReportAdultAbuse.dhs.tn.gov
CHILD ABUSE, SEXUAL ABUSE OR NEGLECT RESOURCES:
TN Child Abuse Hotline
1-877-237-0004 or https://CARAT.app.tn.gov
Davis House Child Advocacy Center www.DavisHouseCAC.org
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST or www.CyberTipLine.org
Internet Safety Guides www.MissingKids.org/NetSmartz
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY RESOURCES:
TN SOR Unit 1-888-837-4170 or www.SOR.TBI.TN.gov
Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website www.NSOPW.gov
Williamson County Sheriffs Office email: SOR@williamsoncounty-tn.gov
HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCES: TN Human Trafficking Hotline 1-855-55-TNHTH or www.ItHasToStop.com
EndSlavery Tennessee (of the Middle TN Anti-Slavery Alliance) www.AncoraTN.org
WCSO PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST: Williamson County Website - Department - Sheriff www.WilliamsonCounty-TN.gov
COUNTY AND STATE CRIME DATA: CrimeInsight Website www.Crimeinsight.tbi.tn.gov
Deputies who are particularly passionate about protecting and supporting our youth comprise this division. They bring law enforcement resources, mentorship, and security to our children and educators. Our SROs maintain a daily presence within two public school systems: Williamson County Schools and Franklin Special School District. The start of the school year in August saw the division safekeeping a combined 53,465 total students and staff across 58 schools. Franklin Special School District recognized the SROs working in their schools via a social media post at the time: “If you haven’t heard us brag about our SROs, let’s be clear – these men and women allow us to move through our day with the peace of knowing someone is watching out over us! Thank you @WCSOSheriff for providing these heroes for us!”
• Crime Prevention increased visits to preschools, daycares, and participation in community events, which were limited during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Deputy Mon Sirivong was working an afterschool event when he received a call about a child choking. Once on scene he took over life-saving efforts successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver, saving the child’s life.
• SRO Lieutenant Sammie Baker celebrated an impressive 40 years of service with the WCSO.
• Crime Stoppers of Williamson County honored Deputy David Grisham for his 30 years of service in law enforcement and his 10 years as the Crime Stoppers law enforcement liaison.
• The SRO Division and IT Division reached their goal of outfitting all SROs with body cameras.
*The numbers above reflect the total number of individual deputy activities. In 2022 WCSO employed 67 (7 open positions) school resource officers, covering 58 Williamson County and Franklin Special School District schools.
Legieza Memorial Ride
Spring Hill Academy
Nolensville Night Out
Moore Elem. Education
First UMC Boy Scouts
Johnson Financial Group
Grassland Elem. Education
Smith Preschool Education
Pearre Creek Elem. Party
WCSO Citizens Academy
Poplar Grove Elem. Edu
Faith and Blue Event
Franklin Touch-A-Truck
Franklin HS Football Booth
Nissan HQ Event
Graceland Church Event
Fairview Veterans Day
Franklin Elem. Touch a Truck
Moore Elem. Education
Daisy Troop 3211 Event
The Court Services Division is tasked with maintaining security for the Williamson County Judicial Center, the Historic Courthouse, the Administrative Office Complex and Juvenile Court.
In addition, Court Services oversees the transportation of inmates and serves criminal and civil warrants.
2022 Criminal & Civil Warrants
18,426 Civil Warrants Served
1,486 Criminal Warrants Served
212 General Sessions Criminal Dockets
156 General Sessions Bond Docket
109 General Sessions Civil Dockets
1,266 Arrests Completed
268 Circuit Court Criminal Dockets
368 Circuit Court Chancery Dockets
4,922 Inmates Transported To Court
729 Out of County Transports
317 Mental Health Transports
2022: The Year of Travel! Both Sheriff Rhoades and the District Attorney’s Office are committed to prosecuting people who commit crimes in Williamson County. This extends to traveling to all counties in Tennessee and across the United States because when a wanted person flees Williamson County or the state, it is the sheriff’s job to transport the wanted person back to Williamson County to face the charges against them. Court Services went beyond the borders of Tennessee 36 times this year to bring fugitives from justice back to Williamson County. Our deputies traveled to Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and beyond in the performance of their duties in this division.
Training Forward: Since 2016, the Williamson County Court Services Division has hosted court security training classes four times per year, which are open to agencies across the state. During this time, we have hosted numerous officers, helping them return home to make a difference inside of their courthouses and to develop better policies and practices inside of their respective facilities. Since this specialized training has been in place, we have been the only agency in the state to host this class every year.
Fentanyl Exposure: In May, three court security deputies were exposed to purple Fentanyl while searching an inmate at the courthouse. Although they experienced exposure symptoms and underwent medical supervision and treatment, we are pleased to report that everyone recovered and resumed their duties.
Civil Warrants
This office receives civil warrants from all counties in Tennessee and other states to serve to individuals who reside or work in Williamson County. All civil warrants are housed in our offices at the Historic Courthouse, where one clerk maintains the record of the civil warrants. The clerk distributes the warrants to the deputies for service.
Criminal Warrants
Similarly, all criminal warrants issued by the courts, probation, and the magistrate are housed within the warrant’s office at the sheriff’s office where three clerks maintain the records of these criminal warrants. All felony warrants and most misdemeanor warrants are entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. This allows WCSO deputies and other law enforcement agencies to query if a subject has an active warrant in Williamson County. At the end of this year, we have approximately 5,835 active/unserved criminal warrants.
Civil Warrants Received & Entered in 2022
17,503
Criminal Warrants Received & Entered in 2022
3,104
Jail Administrator
WCSO Detention provides for the safety and security of both pre-trial and sentenced detainees housed in the John I. Easley, Jr. Criminal Justice Center. The division’s mission is excellence in inmate care, custody, and control. The CJC is a facility of approximately 121,000 square feet situated on roughly 19 acres with capacity for 454 inmates. It is both a Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Certified facility.
382 Warrants Served
16 Subjects Arrested
• We have resumed the GED/HiSet testing program after a temporary suspension during the pandemic. Additional inmate programs are planned to resume in 2023 and beyond.
• Her coworkers selected Detention Deputy Laura Wiessing as employee of the quarter in June, acknowledging both her dedication and hard work.
• TCI performed their annual unannounced inspection of the CJC on May 30, 2022. They initially found two deficiencies with the contracted providers at the facility. TCI found zero deficiencies during reinspection on August 2, 2022.
• The Tek84 Body Scanners purchased in 2021 continue to be a valuable tool. For example, in August the keen eyes of Deputy Ella Fultz-Miller combined with the Tek84 scans identified a female arrestee had bags of cocaine, cocaine/fentanyl mix, and over 100 pressed fentanyl pills hidden in her body. Deputy Fultz-Miller was able to persuade this arrestee to turn over the concealed items. Great work, deputy!
• Deputy Jacob Roth provided lifesaving assistance in a vehicle crash on I-65 and McEwen Drive in Franklin. He was one of the first individuals on the scene and pulled a victim from a burning vehicle.
• Detention training academies in May and September graduated a combined 15 detention deputies.
• Maintenance Technician Jim Luckett retired after 18 years of service to the WCSO.
During 2022, we began researching and pricing jail tracking systems for inmates. An inmate tracking system will aid the detention facility to customize our data collection and reporting needs. This system provides real-time cloud-based reporting and historically tracks every movement, such as an inmate’s movement from their cell, to court, to booking, etc. (as well as meal, medication, and mail delivery). This new technology allows detention officers to share and receive information in real time, which is invaluable to the safety and security of the facility. Thanks to the support of Sheriff Rhoades and the Williamson County Commission, it has been included as a capital improvement project for the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget with implementation planned for 2023.
Newly introduced Tier 1 and Tier 2 TCI Accreditation Standards apply to local correctional facilities that voluntarily adopt accreditation for the purposes of improved access to evidence-based inmate programming to help ensure inmates’ successful reentry into society, reduced recidivism within the agency’s jurisdiction, improved rehab services, and increased reimbursement for state-sentenced inmates. As a TCI certified facility, we are currently seeking voluntary Tier 1 and Tier 2 TCI accreditation. It is a priority to us to assist with our inmates’ rehabilitation and reentry into society. We are doing this by providing access to evidence-based programming and giving our inmates access to reentry services and resources in effort to reduce recidivism.
Maintenance is a vital component within our offices, contributing daily in keeping our facilities operating safely and efficiently. This department is responsible for routine maintenance, emergency repairs, long term projects, upgrades, and expansions. Our team often uses their combined experience and skill-sets to undertake projects or repairs in-house rather than contracting with outside companies as a cost saving measure.
632
Maintenance Requests
Water heater replacements
Upgrades to Detention door system
Install plumbing controls (preventing inmates from flooding cell blocks)
Maintenance of approximately 960 cameras in Sheriff’s CCTV System
Maintenance of grounds equipment for Sheriff’s Office and Litter Division
Install, maintain, & repair all kitchen equipment
Research and planning for new Sheriffs Office building project.
The Litter Education Program utilizes county inmates with minor charges sentenced to the workhouse for litter pickup and dumpsite cleanup along both state and county roads. Litter collection is on a rotational cycle to prevent buildup and inefficiency. Collection may be executed Monday – Friday for 8 hours per day (weather/other conditions permitting). Litter also assists other government departments and communities within Williamson County with multiple events.
222.3
Miles of County Roads
47.5
Miles of State Roads
24 Abandoned Cemeteries Cleaned
6 Weeks of County Fair Prep & Cleanup
February Go RED American Heart Month
Read Across America
Rolling Hills Church Easter Egg Drop
Page High School Spring Senior Sports Night
Earth Day Tarp Giveaway
Franklin High School Driver Safety STARS
Scott Hamilton’s CARES Ride
Williamson County Household Hazardous Waste Events
Franklin Rodeo
Senior Resource Open House Expo
City of Franklin Touch a Truck
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Destin Legieza Remembrance Ride
Grace Chapel Super Duper Superhero VBS
Nolensville Police Dept Kids Camp
DEA National Drug Take Back Events
Leiper’s Fork Trashercise!
Williamson County Public Library Used Book Sales
Flat Creek Community Center Ice Cream Supper
Walker Baptist Church Annual Fish Fry
Spring Hill Academy and Preschool
Battle of the Badges Blood Drives
Williamson County Fair
National Night Out
Grace Christian Academy Kindergarten Aviation Visit
Independence High School Homecoming Parade
Inge Smith Preschool Visit
Boy Scouts UMC Event
Faith and Blue Event
Westwood Elementary Aviation Visit
Heritage Elementary Fall Festival
Graceland Church Fall Festival
American Cancer Society Wear Pink
Nissan Headquarters Trunk or Treat
Sunshine Day School Aviation Visit
Franklin Elementary Touch a Truck
Creekside Elementary Career Day
Franklin Veterans Day Parade
Fairview City Veterans Day Event
Girl Scouts Daisy Troop 3211 Event
Morris Heithcock Lodge #41 FOP Shop with a Cop College Grove Christmas Parade
Franklin Christmas Parade
Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade
Nolensville Christmas Parade
My Bag My Story
Please come and see us at community events! We love getting to meet all of you. Or, even better - invite us to an event you are planning! We look forward to spending more time with you in 2023.
Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation is dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovative research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.
This FREE outreach program provides the security of daily contact via phone call to residents who live alone or are without relatives. Our wonderful volunteers call participants between dedicated hours every morning. There were fifteen local resident enrollees in 2022.
The Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a free nine-week Academy designed to educate residents and/or business owners ages 21 and older, how the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office operates. Academy instructors include both WCSO personnel and guest speakers.
WCSO participates with Project Lifesaver International, outfitting clients (those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Autism, Down syndrome, or other cognitive conditions that cause wandering) with a transmitter on an individualized frequency. If a client goes missing, a team deploys to the area and uses radio frequency to locate their position more quickly – thereby greatly reducing risks of injury or death.
Recent tracks have resulted in locating the clients safely in under 20 minutes each time. Our program coordinators visit clients every 45-60 days for equipment and battery maintenance. This also gives them time to build relationships and familiarity with the clients and their families.
This year, Sheriff Rhoades authorized a Christmas uniform patch designed by Deputy Debbie Rogers for the holiday season. WCSO purchases raised more than $2,000 in proceeds for charity. The proceeds were then donated to the “My Bag My Story” program.
Donors are often heartbroken to learn that many children in foster care have only a trash bag to hold all their belongings. My Bag My Story’s mission is to improve the lives of children in foster care and to elevate their self worth by giving each of them their own personal bag. We are very proud to learn that our donation helped provide quality bags to 80 children.
Thank you Deputy Debbie Rogers, for making this possible!
MyBagMyStory.Com
Safely dispose of your prescription drugs weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the marked disposal bin in our lobby. We also participate in DEA National Rx Take Back events out in the community several times a year.
Highlight: Just over 1,020 pounds of unused or expired prescription drugs were collected and safely destroyed in 2022. That is close to the weight of an adult Grizzly bear! Thank you for safely disposing of your medication with us.
The Fraternal Order of Police, Morris Heithcock Lodge 41 and Local Law Enforcement including the WCSO, shop with local families for back to school supplies and Christmas Holidays.
December 2022
August 2022
In August, Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System (VBHCS) presented WCSO with an award for being a community partner with the mental health services providers in Williamson County. VBHCS now staffs a co-response specialist to assist us with certain mental health calls for service.
Maristone of Franklin dropped off coffee and breakfast in September. Thank you!
We are continuously amazed and inspired by the support shown to us by you, the community. Thank you again for your ongoing encouragement.Community Partner Mental Health Award Presented to Sheriff Rhoades VBHCS and Alley Patrykus Bring Breakfast Sheriff Rhoades and Christina Leone of Maristone Community Partner Mental Health Award Presented to Sheriff Rhoades
The Lt. Andrew Crockett Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented awards to five members of WCSO in June. SRO Erol Agaoglu received a Life Saving Award for applying a tourniquet to the arm of an individual injured in a vehicle crash. According to doctors at Williamson Medical, without the application of the tourniquet the victim would have most certainly died from the injuries. Patrol Deputy Clay Staton and former Patrol Deputy Ben Copenhaver received Life Saving Awards for using an AED and administering CPR to a heart attack victim. Medical staff at the ER said this patient would have died if the deputies had not taken those actions. Additionally, Sgt. Lee Eaves and Detective Paul Lusk were awarded the Law Enforcement Exceptional Performance Award for their work in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Williamson County Crime Stoppers presented Crime Prevention Deputy David Grisham in July with a plaque to acknowledge his 30 years in law enforcement and his 10 years as law enforcement liaison for Crime Stoppers.
October brought us a surprise when Harpeth Christian Church gave out goodie bags full of supplies, snacks, treats, and encouragement.
In December, the children at Kenrose Elementary School surprised their WCSO School Crossing Guard Ms. Miny Weaver with 94 roses for her 94th birthday!
The Davis House Child Advocacy Center awarded Detective Raechel Haber as the 2022 Child Protective Investigative Team Member of the Year in August. Thank you, Davis House, for recognizing Det. Haber’s dedicated work.
Clearview Baptist Church generously provided a breakfast of chicken biscuits and fruit for our school resource officers at the start of the school year in August.
In November, the Morris Heathcock FOP Lodge 41 of Franklin presented Patrol Deputy Debbie Rogers and Traffic Corporal Jimmy Gillam the Lifesaver Award in recognition for saving a young woman’s life at the Natchez Trace Bridge in April.
1. Continue design planning for new county jail, sheriff’s office, special operations, and gun range facilities.
2. Research virtual reality training software for law enforcement.
3. Continue to enhance and increase awareness and recruitment efforts through social media and website updates.
4. Purchase “Red Dot” sighting system for WCSO handguns to enhance accuracy.
5. Request additional school resource officer positions.
6. Fill open field and detention positions.
7. Salary and benefit improvement requests to include:
1. Rectify salary compression where applicable.
2. Incentive pay for specialized units.
3. Increase incentive pay for college degrees.
Elizabeth St. Vincent passed away December 27, 2022 at the age of 50. Mrs. St. Vincent was a crossing guard for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office from January 2008 until her passing. She was known to decorate her car for special occasions, just to make her Scales Elementary School students smile. She serviced her community through crossing guard duties, auxiliary communications/amateur radio, and other passions. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her family peace.
K-9, Patrol (Retired)
Trained in patrol and narcotics detection, Ammo began his service with the sheriff’s office in 2016 and worked until his retirement in November 2019. In mid-2016 Ammo won four awards and 3rd place overall finish at the USPCA Region 13 certification trials. Ammo’s retirement years were spent with his former partner Patrol Deputy Chuck Castleberry and family until he passed away on May 5, 2022. Deputy Castleberry referred to Ammo as “the best partner there ever was.”
Tyson passed away in May 2022. A beloved member of our office, he initially worked for the Franklin Police Department for several years before joining the ranks of the WCSO when Franklin PD disbanded their unit. Tyson was taken out of service in July 2020 with a hip injury and was officially retired in November 2020. Tyson’s retirement years were spent with his former partner Sgt. Keith Bennett and family. Tyson was a lovable friend to all. He formed a special bond with Sgt. Bennett’s infant daughter, refusing to let her cry alone. She came to seek him out, even in his patrol vehicle. Tyson will not be forgotten.