Sheriff’s office defends service levels in Farragut
Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to farragutpress’s questions on April 29 concerning its coverage of the Town of Farragut.
“The patrol zones have not changed, and having a precinct or lack of doesn't change their responsibilities,” replied Kimberly Glenn, communications director for KCSO. “Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies do a fantastic job of responding to calls for service. If you're looking for specific calls and/or call volume for your area, as well as response times, I suggest contacting E-911.
E-911 did receive a records request from the farragutpress May 4, and the farragutpress received an email, also on May 4, stating E-911 received our request; but the farragutpress has not had any further replies as of press time.
“Additionally, Sheriff [Tom] Spangler has no response to the letter [sent by Farragut Mayor Ron Williams to the sheriff in March],” Glenn said. “[Spangler] is, however, eager to get the new West Knox County precinct open; it is conveniently located at Cedar Bluff to serve all of West Knox County.
“We are pleased to offer a one-stop location where residents can also conduct other business with Knox County,” she added. “As always, if a member of the community needs to file a report, they can do so over the phone at 865-215-2243, and likewise, if they need to obtain a report, they may do so by emailing publicrecords@knoxsheriff.org
Additionally, Capt. Aaron Yarnell with Knox County Sheriff’s Office’s Technology Division, responded, “I would also like to know where the rumors of Farragut not having officers because of a precinct location change.
“Maybe some people thought officers responded from there.” He added. “Maybe they don’t understand how we use a precinct. The physical location change of 3 miles didn’t change anything about protection to the Farragut community. Same patrol beats, same way dispatched, nothing changed.
Regarding Farragut Mayor’s March 27 letter to the sheriff’s office, Yarnell said, “Myself and [Capt.] Hugh [Holt] were copied here in this email as we are two of the people that has been helping get our new location ready along with adding a crime center to it. We have made a positive from a negative. Negative … as being asked to move out of our current Farragut location.
“Farragut is still a part of Knox county and is important to us, just like other communities, such as Gibbs, Halls, Hardin Valley, Vestal, etc.,” he said. “Calls for service and patrol remains the same.”
