Knox County Schools
School Safety
With more than 120 armed uniformed officers, the KCs school Safety Department is one of the largest school safety departments in Tennessee.
The Knox County Schools Department of School Safety serves as the district’s first line of emergency response and protection and is dedicated to maintaining safe, secure learning environments in every school across the county and follows three key strategies for school security:
- Placing a highly-trained, armed safety officer in every school;
- Developing individualized safety plans that reflect the unique needs of each school environment; and
- Taking every threat seriously—and encouraging every student, staff member, and family to speak up if they see something concerning.
Our work is ongoing, with a constant focus on preparation, awareness, and the safety of every school in the district.
Interested in working in School Safety?
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service has always been my calling. I knew i wanted to protect and serve others and The KCS safety department gives me the perfect opportunity to do that. here, i get to keep my community safe while making an impact on the next generation.- Officer Lincoln Billingsley
mission
The mission of Knox County Schools Department of School Safety is to ensure a safe, secure learning environment; to support students, staff, and administrators in reaching success; and to work in partnership with all who are involved in educating students.
Operational philosophy
At Knox County Schools, our approach to security is grounded in doing what’s best for students. We treat others with respect, act with honesty, take pride in our work, and honor the trust placed in us. Every day, we aim to grow—both professionally and personally—to better serve our schools and community.
Law enforcement and emergency response Partners
Knox County Sheriff's Office | Knoxville Police Department | Tennessee Highway Patrol | Tennessee Bureau of Investigation | Federal Bureau of Investigation | University of Tennessee Police Department | Tennessee Department of Homeland Security | U.S. Department of Homeland Security | U.S. Secret Service | Knox County District Attorney's Office | Knox County Juvenile Justice Center | American Medical Response | Knox County E911 | Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency | Knoxville Fire Department | Rural/Metro Fire Department | Seymour Volunteer Fire Department | Karns Fire Department