Elected Office · County
Sheriff
- Level
- County
- Area represented
- One county
- Term length
- 4 years
- Term limits
- None
- Election cycle
- Awaiting verification
QualificationsConstitutional officer (TN Const. Art. VII §1)
The county's chief law enforcement officer. Patrols, investigates crimes, serves warrants and civil process, RUNS THE COUNTY JAIL, and provides court security.
Voters often confuse the Sheriff, the police chief, the district attorney, and the judge. Four different offices. Four different jobs. Only some of them are on your ballot.
What this office cannot do alone
- Does not report to the county mayor. Separately elected, accountable directly to voters.
- Cannot write criminal law. The legislature does.
- Cannot decide who gets prosecuted. That is the District Attorney General.
- Cannot set his own budget. The county commission funds the office.
- Does not run city police departments. Those report to city government.
On the 2026 ballot
Upcoming election: Tennessee State and Federal General — November 3, 2026
Candidates for the November 3, 2026 general election will be published here as they are verified against the official ballot.