Sheriff's Office reports 41 staff departures, three SRO vacancies

Chief Spence, representing the sheriff’s office, told the Rutherford County Public Safety Committee that since January 2025 the department has lost 41 employees across multiple divisions, including patrol, judicial services and school resource officers. He said the agency is actively interviewing candidates and recently ran an obstacle course for applicants; one candidate is in background checks for an SRO opening.

Spence's report also noted that some former employees moved to other agencies. Commissioners pressed for clarity on SRO vacancies and thanked Representative Mike Sparks for discussing jail per‑diem support with state officials; Spence and other commissioners indicated the county may pursue legislative support for funding changes in the coming session.

The committee approved the sheriff’s financial report and moved forward with budget amendments discussed later in the meeting.

What’s next: Sheriff’s Office recruitment and filling of SRO positions continues; procurement and staffing follow‑up were identified for future agendas.