About PCSO

Putnam County, Tennessee, is located at the crossroads of I-40, one of the country’s busiest East/West arteries for commerce and leisure travel, and Highway 111 which connects Middle Tennessee with Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama. The county comprises 401 square miles of land in middle Tennessee and is part of the greater Cumberland River watershed, which means that more than 1.5 square miles of the county is made up of water.

Current population studies estimate that Putnam County has more than 83,000 full-time residents. During the work week and when higher education is in full session, this can easily grow to 100,000 or more.

Founded in 1872, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office provides a full range of law enforcement services and enjoys a close working relationship with the other municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Sheriff’s Office is headquartered in Cookeville, the county seat. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is currently one of a small portion of Sheriff’s Offices that have achieved Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA).

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office currently has a sworn staff of 85 deputies and 35 civilian employees in support positions. The Putnam County Jail has 55 employees, including corrections deputies, work programs, and kitchen staff.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The men and women of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office are committed to the protection of life and property among the citizens of the county, and are committed to providing law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice services through a partnership with the community that builds trust, reduces crime, creates a safe environment, and enhances the quality of life.

OUR CORE VALUES

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Integrity.

Courage.

Compassion.

Professionalism.

Accountability.

Respect.

With integrity, compassion, and courage we serve our community - protecting life and property, being diligent and professional in our acts and deeds, always holding ourselves and each other accountable for our actions, while respecting the dignity and right of all.

ACCREDITATION

Like all law enforcement agencies in Tennessee, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office is required to commit and provide to the citizens a law enforcement agency that delivers the highest quality of professional services to its community. To receive accreditation, the Sheriff's Office must meet certain nationally recognized standards.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office application for accreditation with the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (TLEA) was accepted on September 5, 2014. Since then, many new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and programs have been developed and are in the process of being implemented. After completion of this three-year program our agency is one of only a few sheriff’s offices in the eastern half of the state to achieve TLEA accreditation through the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. The purpose of accreditation is to improve the professionalism of the department and to publicly demonstrate proficiency in our profession. Our accreditation was achieved on December 6, 2017. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office received re-accreditation on June 2, 2021 and April 3, 2024.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office is accredited by the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police sanctioned Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (TLEA)

About the pcso

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

OUR CORE VALUES

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

ACCREDITATION

This website uses cookies.