As sworn deputies with the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the division is the first line threat emergency response group and primary force protection unit for Knox County Schools.  Charged with the safety of staff and students within the district, the division is also known as the Knox County School Security Division and its members are often referred to as SRO's or School Resource Officers. 

The unit specializes in rapid response and school protection, committed to Excellence in Service and dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment within all schools. The unit maintains regular and specialized training throughout the calendar year, and with over 100 men and women serving, it is one of the largest dedicated school security forces in Tennessee.

Based on the state's curriculum on Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), recruits must go through an intensive academy and keep up with established threshold standards to maintain continued service.