CORRECTIONS
CURRENT JAIL INFormation regarding COVID-19
Frequently asked questions in reference to COVID-19 and the SCSO Corrections facilities.
1. Why has the on-site visitation and volunteer religious services been suspended?
Out of an abundance of caution and to protect what Sheriff Seals considers a vulnerable population, it was decided to suspend visitation and volunteer religious services until further notice. This decision is being re-evaluated daily and based on current updates of the COVID-19 impact our area.
2. How can family and friends maintain contact with their loved ones while visitation is suspended?
Telephone calls, emails, texts, and off-site visitation through the CTC (www.citytelecoin.com) inmate phone system will continue uninterrupted. Also off-site visitation is currently half price during this trying time.
3. Are SCSO facilities on lockdown due to COVID-19?
No, they are not. Occasionally, movement is temporarily restricted to complete necessary cleaning measures.
4. Do inmates have access to soap and cleaning agents?
Yes. Soap, water, and cleaning agents are readily available to the entire inmate population. Per the Tennessee Department of Health recommendations, soap and water is the best option for protection from COVID-19.
5. What activities can inmates participate in during this time?
Both facilities are maintaining as many services as possible.
6. Can inmates' family members send them gloves, masks, or hand sanitizer?
SCSO facilities do not accept packaged mail deliveries for inmates. Letters and correspondence are accepted via the USPS.
7. Will mail and laundry services continue inside the facilities?
Yes. Mail and laundry operations are continuing.
8. If an inmate is eligible for release, will they remain in custody?
All scheduled releases will occur as planned.
9. Are inmates allowed to meet with their attorneys?
Non-contact Attorney visits and phone calls are continuing without interruption.
10. How is the SCSO ensuring the health and welfare of the inmate population?
The SCSO is conducting non-invasive prescreening of all Detainees prior to entering our facilities for COVID-19 symptoms. Also, the Sevier County Sheriff's Office is following all CDC guidelines regarding routine environmental cleaning and sanitizing of our facilities. Our Staff is taking extra precautions by deep cleaning all of our facilities daily and ensuring that all surfaces are disinfected around our Correctional facilities.
11. What happens in the event of a confirmed case of COVID- 19 in an SCSO facility?
During the prescreening process, we are taking the appropriate pre-planned measures to segregate any inmate who exhibits the symptoms and signs of COVID-19 to ensure the rest of the inmate population will not be exposed. If an individual has a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will follow state protocol and requirements.
12. Are masks available to staff and inmates?
Masks have now been distributed and assigned to all inmates, and SCSO Corrections staff have been issued the necessary PPE. The Sheriff and SCSO Staff continues to encourage constant hand-washing and cleaning as the best defense against COVID-19.
*This is a fluid situation please check back frequently for updates.*
1. Why has the on-site visitation and volunteer religious services been suspended?
Out of an abundance of caution and to protect what Sheriff Seals considers a vulnerable population, it was decided to suspend visitation and volunteer religious services until further notice. This decision is being re-evaluated daily and based on current updates of the COVID-19 impact our area.
2. How can family and friends maintain contact with their loved ones while visitation is suspended?
Telephone calls, emails, texts, and off-site visitation through the CTC (www.citytelecoin.com) inmate phone system will continue uninterrupted. Also off-site visitation is currently half price during this trying time.
3. Are SCSO facilities on lockdown due to COVID-19?
No, they are not. Occasionally, movement is temporarily restricted to complete necessary cleaning measures.
4. Do inmates have access to soap and cleaning agents?
Yes. Soap, water, and cleaning agents are readily available to the entire inmate population. Per the Tennessee Department of Health recommendations, soap and water is the best option for protection from COVID-19.
5. What activities can inmates participate in during this time?
Both facilities are maintaining as many services as possible.
6. Can inmates' family members send them gloves, masks, or hand sanitizer?
SCSO facilities do not accept packaged mail deliveries for inmates. Letters and correspondence are accepted via the USPS.
7. Will mail and laundry services continue inside the facilities?
Yes. Mail and laundry operations are continuing.
8. If an inmate is eligible for release, will they remain in custody?
All scheduled releases will occur as planned.
9. Are inmates allowed to meet with their attorneys?
Non-contact Attorney visits and phone calls are continuing without interruption.
10. How is the SCSO ensuring the health and welfare of the inmate population?
The SCSO is conducting non-invasive prescreening of all Detainees prior to entering our facilities for COVID-19 symptoms. Also, the Sevier County Sheriff's Office is following all CDC guidelines regarding routine environmental cleaning and sanitizing of our facilities. Our Staff is taking extra precautions by deep cleaning all of our facilities daily and ensuring that all surfaces are disinfected around our Correctional facilities.
11. What happens in the event of a confirmed case of COVID- 19 in an SCSO facility?
During the prescreening process, we are taking the appropriate pre-planned measures to segregate any inmate who exhibits the symptoms and signs of COVID-19 to ensure the rest of the inmate population will not be exposed. If an individual has a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will follow state protocol and requirements.
12. Are masks available to staff and inmates?
Masks have now been distributed and assigned to all inmates, and SCSO Corrections staff have been issued the necessary PPE. The Sheriff and SCSO Staff continues to encourage constant hand-washing and cleaning as the best defense against COVID-19.
*This is a fluid situation please check back frequently for updates.*
NEW SERVICE OFFERED FOR inmates & their families
***Families can now send messages to inmates at no cost by visiting www.jailfunds.com. An inmate response cost $0.50 per reply. All indigent inmates will get 8 free messages every 28 days. This feature is available 7 days a week from 0600-2359.***
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office operates two Correctional Facilities:
The Sevier County Jail is located at 137 Commerce Street
Sevierville, TN 37862.
The Sevier County Jail opened in June, 1991 with an original inmate capacity of 156.
After an expansion in 2002, the Sevier County Jail (Main) now has a capacity of 214.
The Sevier County Jail (Annex) is located at 896 Old Knoxville Highway
Sevierville, TN 37862.
The Sevier County Jail (Annex) opened in April, 2008 with an original inmate capacity of 168.
After an expansion in 2010, the Sevier County Jail (Annex) now has a capacity of 356.
The Sevier County Jail is located at 137 Commerce Street
Sevierville, TN 37862.
The Sevier County Jail opened in June, 1991 with an original inmate capacity of 156.
After an expansion in 2002, the Sevier County Jail (Main) now has a capacity of 214.
The Sevier County Jail (Annex) is located at 896 Old Knoxville Highway
Sevierville, TN 37862.
The Sevier County Jail (Annex) opened in April, 2008 with an original inmate capacity of 168.
After an expansion in 2010, the Sevier County Jail (Annex) now has a capacity of 356.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Service is comprised of dedicated, professional, law enforcement administrators, supervisors, corrections officers, and a support staff that possess the knowledge, skills, understanding, and experience necessary to achieve efficient jail operations. Each facility offers a safe, secure, well-maintained environment for the inmate population as well as staff and the surrounding Communities.
The Sevier County Correctional Facilities meet professional standards for certification through the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI). In addition, all Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Staff must attend 40 hours of in-service training annually with a focus on basic training, safety, liability, correctional law, personnel management, planning, and operations.
The Sevier County Correctional Facilities meet professional standards for certification through the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI). In addition, all Sevier County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Staff must attend 40 hours of in-service training annually with a focus on basic training, safety, liability, correctional law, personnel management, planning, and operations.

In 2016 the Sevier County Sheriff implemented the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT) to help with emergency situations that may occur inside the Sevier County Jails. This team is comprised of 8 Corrections Officers with specialized training in Defensive Tactics, Less Lethal Weapon Systems, Riot and Crowd Control as well as Cell Extractions and searches. The officers on this team are held to elevated level of professionalism as well as training which occurs monthly. Officers assigned to this team are on call 24/7 to respond to any situation.