Shelby County Sheriff's Office

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

It's that time of year again to vote for Tennessee's Best-Looking Cruiser Award!

This year, as part of the 22nd Annual Law Enforcement Challenge, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office will offer “Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award” to recognize the law enforcement agency with the coolest cruiser photo. All law enforcement agencies in Tennessee are eligible to participate.

Cast your vote now at: https://tntrafficsafety.org/2026-tn-blc-vote. This contest is open to the public. No account required.

Voting ends Friday, June 19 at 4:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM ET — don't miss it!
Let's show some love for your favorite cruiser and help crown this year's Best-Looking Cruiser Award!

06/07/2026

On June 17, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office will join state and local law enforcement for the “Arrive Alive On 385” campaign to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious-injury crashes on State Route 385 in Memphis.

Enforcement will start at 6 AM on June 17 and continue until 10 PM. Participating agencies include the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Collierville Police Department, Memphis Police Department est.1827, Tennessee Highway Patrol , and Millington Police Dept.

06/05/2026

SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner participated in the “Precious Cargo Forum,” a community-centered panel discussion and forum, held today at the Benjamin Hooks Library in Memphis. The event focused on the expansion of the Precious Cargo Act, which takes effect July 1, 2026, and now includes identification for drivers with speech disabilities.

Hosted by Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn, this meaningful and high-profile gathering included former NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane, Tennessee State Senator Raumesh Akbari, Inger Williams, Alyson Edwards, Emilee Cooley, Natasha Parks, and Melanie Dowl, along with members of the speech disability community.

Chief Deputy Buckner emphasized the importance of training for SCSO personnel, particularly patrol deputies and dispatchers, who communicate directly with the public. This connection with the special needs community is an important element as learning about the implementation of the new law through SCSO in-service training program, recruit and dispatcher training, and with dealings with medical emergency personnel. Explaining the law and learning how to identify and communicate with these “precious cargo,” is a challenge we look forward to embarking upon, said Chief Buckner.

This community forum for the disability community, their families, advocates, and “everyone in their corner” was a good first step for the Sheriff’s Office, as we strive to meet these challenges in the months and years ahead.

06/05/2026

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Keiona Aguilera was recognized as the Shelby County Employee of the First Quarter of 2026. Deputy Aquilera, who is assigned as an instructor at the SCSO Training Academy, was chosen for her outstanding work in training and teaching recruits and other personnel. Shelby County Chief Administrative Officer Harold Collins congratulated Deputy Aguilera for her professionalism and dedication, presenting her a special plaque today at the Shelby County building in downtown Memphis. She was joined by Sgt. T. Shaw, Sgt. A. White, Sgt. M. Christian, Sgt. E. Jamison, Deputy J. Robbins, and Deputy T. Pulliam. Deputy Aguilera has served in the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office since 2020.

06/04/2026

Carnival Memphis, which hosts a week of festivities and fundraisers each June to celebrate and promote the city of Memphis and its industries, welcomed some of the Mid-South’s newest law enforcement officers to a special luncheon today at the world-famous Charlie Vergos Rendezvous.

The event honored the recently graduated recruit classes from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Memphis Police Department, recognizing their commitment to serving our community as they begin their careers in law enforcement.

Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. joined fellow Mid-South leaders in attendance and was also presented with a special proclamation by Carnival Memphis in recognition of his years of dedicated service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the Mid-South community.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Carnival Memphis for its hospitality, continued partnership, and ongoing support of the men and women who serve and protect our community. During this year's events, Carnival Memphis was able to raise and donate $700,000 to local non-profit organizations PURE Academy, TigerLIFE, Memphis Allies and Carnival Cares.

06/04/2026

PATROL DEPUTY OF THE MONTH NAMED FOR APRIL 2026
Today, at the Sheriff’s Office substation in Arlington, Deputy J. Watkins was honored as Deputy of the Month for April 2026 for a recent lifesaving action.

On April 09, 2026, a diner was eating at a restaurant in Collierville when he experienced a sudden and complete airway obstruction after choking on food. Unable to breathe, he attempted to reach a group of deputies seated across the room. Deputy Watkins immediately recognized that he was in distress and responded without hesitation. He quickly assessed the situation and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the obstruction and restoring the man’s ability to breathe, thus helping to save his life.

Deputy Watkins’ response reflects exceptional situational awareness, decisive action, and a commitment to preserving life, both on and off duty. His professionalism and readiness to act in a critical moment exemplify the highest standards of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and bring great credit upon himself, the patrol division, and the agency.

Deputy Watkins, who works the morning shift, has served with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office as a full-time deputy since 2021.

06/03/2026

The King and Queen of Carnival Memphis 2026 stopped by the Sheriff’s Office on the 9th floor of 201 Poplar Avenue today, June 3, for a visit with SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner and other members of the Sheriff's command staff. King Met Crump, Queen Eliza Hussey, and Carnival President W. Neely Mallory IV thanked the Sheriff’s Office and the SCSO motors unit for their continued dedication and support. Chief Deputy Buckner gave them a proclamation recognizing them for their charitable work in the community, and the King and Queen distributed medals to Sheriff’s Office personnel. This year, Carnival Memphis is supporting the following charities: PURE Academy, TigerLIFE, and Memphis Allies.

06/02/2026

Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Survey was conducted on Thursday, May 28, between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm at the intersection of Macon Road and Sycamore View Road in east Shelby County.

This survey is intended to help Tennessee Highway Safety Office better understand pedestrian behavior and identify potential contributing factors as to why individuals may not be utilizing designated crosswalks. The goal is to support future safety improvements and encourage increased use of crosswalk infrastructure.

During this observation period, Mike Presson, West Tennessee Law Enforcement Liaison with THSO, Lieutenant Richard Blair, Deputy Chris Pearce, and Crystal Lewis with SCSO, observed a total of nine pedestrians who crossed outside of the designated crosswalk area. The group observed included a diverse group of pedestrians: black, white, Hispanic, male, female, adults, and minors.

Survey questions included: why are crosswalks not used regularly; what factor influences where you cross; what improvements can be made; do you wear reflective clothing; and do you walk while talking or texting, listening to music, or eating or doing something that diverts attention?

06/02/2026

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is looking for people just like you to answer the call and start your career as a Corrections Deputy. If you have a high school diploma and our community is your calling, visit https://www.scsocareers.com/corrections today.

Entry level salary starts at $24.04/hour or $49,999.44 a year! Plus, there is a $5,000 retention incentive! Age 18+ can apply. No residency requirement. College incentive is available. You only need a high school diploma and possess a valid driver’s license to apply.