Anderson County Sheriff's Office TN

09/01/2026

This morning, Sheriff Russell Barker took his oath for the third time to serve and protect the people of Anderson County. Please join the Sheriff's Office family in congratulating him as we look forward to another four years!!!

08/31/2026

🚨🚌 SCHOOLS ARE BACK IN SESSION — SLOW DOWN & STOP! 🚌🚨

With schools back in session, school buses are once again traveling throughout Anderson County and making frequent stops to pick up and drop off our children.

Over the past two weeks, multiple vehicles have been observed failing to stop for school buses displaying their stop signs. Three drivers have been stopped and cited for failing to stop.

🛑 REMEMBER: Passing a school bus while its stop sign is extended is a Class A misdemeanor under T.C.A. § 55-8-151.

More importantly, it can put a child’s life at risk.

Please remember:

📍 Two-lane roadway: ALL traffic must stop.
📍 Multi-lane roadway with a shared turn lane: ALL traffic must stop.
📍 Divided highway with a physical barrier/median: Only traffic traveling behind the bus must stop.

🚌 Take a moment to review the diagram below and make sure you know when you are required to stop.

Those flashing red lights and the extended stop sign are there for one reason — to protect our children.

📵 Put the phone down.
👀 Pay attention.
🐢 Slow down.
🛑 STOP for the bus.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office will continue monitoring school bus routes throughout Anderson County and taking enforcement action when necessary.

Schools are back. Kids are back. Let’s all do our part to make sure they get home safely. 💙🚌🚔

08/28/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

August 28, 2026

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Begins Work Release Program for Female Inmates

This week, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office expanded its work release program to include female inmates at the Anderson County Detention Facility.

The program began in August 2025 and is designed to give eligible inmates an opportunity to work while serving their sentences. The program also promotes accountability, responsibility, and rehabilitation.

Under the program, qualifying inmates are permitted to leave the detention facility for approved employment and return to the facility upon completion of their work shift. Participants are carefully screened and must meet established requirements before being approved for work release.

Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker said expanding the program to include female inmates is another step toward providing inmates with the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives.

“Our responsibility doesn’t end with putting someone in jail,” Sheriff Barker said. “When someone is willing to work, take responsibility for their actions, and make an effort to change their life, we believe we should provide them with an opportunity to do that. Work release gives these women the chance to maintain employment, learn valuable skills, support themselves and their families, and prepare for a successful return to our community.”

The work release program also benefits the community by helping participants maintain employment and build a stronger work history while incarcerated. Maintaining a job can be an important part of helping individuals transition back into society and reducing the likelihood that they will return to the criminal justice system. The inmates also use their wages to pay court costs, fines, child support, and restitution. In some cases, they are even able to obtain their driver’s license.

Sheriff Barker emphasized that participation in the program is a privilege, not a right, and inmates must continue to meet the requirements of the program to remain eligible.

“We want people to understand that this is about more than simply allowing someone to leave the jail to go to work,” Barker said. “It is about responsibility, accountability, and giving people a pathway forward. If someone is willing to work and do the right thing, we want to help them build on that.”

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining the safety and security of the detention facility while providing appropriate opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reentry into the community.

The expansion of the work release program for female inmates is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s continuing efforts to provide constructive programs and opportunities for inmates while they are in the custody of the Anderson County Detention Facility.

08/25/2026

We recently took the jail inmate work crew to the Clinton Church of God to help prepare bags for their food pantry giveaway. Several volunteers were also there to help, and the way the community came together was inspiring. Our inmates said later that they not only enjoyed the work they did for a couple of hours but were humbled by it as well. It was a joy to participate, and we look forward to helping again in the future. The pantry performs this blessing monthly at the church gymnasium.
To donate, volunteer, or get more information, contact Kelvin Stokes at the Clinton Church of God at 865-457-2220 or 865-382-4628.

08/21/2026

Sheriff Russell Barker, along with the men and women of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office are mourning the loss of long time public servant and our brother in blue, David Queener. David was a great leader that served our community more than 4 decades. Prayers for comfort for his family and friends.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of longtime City of Clinton public servant, Councilman David Queener.

David Queener, age 68, of Clinton, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Methodist Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.
David spent much of his life serving and giving back to the community he loved. For 43 years, he faithfully served and protected Clinton's citizens through the Clinton Police Department. During his career, he rose through the ranks, became the department’s first detective, and ultimately retired as Chief of Detectives.
His commitment to the community continued well beyond his years in law enforcement. David served for many years as Security Director for the Anderson County Fair Association, helping provide a safe and welcoming environment for generations of families who attended the fair. In November 2022, he was elected to the Clinton City Council, once again answering the call to serve the community that had meant so much to him throughout his life. Even while facing ongoing health challenges, David remained devoted to the people and the City of Clinton.
Many in the community will also remember David as one of the familiar voices, along with Ron Berry, heard on BBB Channel 12’s Friday Night Scoreboard, where they shared area high school football highlights and scores.
Away from his work and community involvement, David enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved attending NASCAR races with his brother, taking trips to the beach with his family, and spending time with the people he cared about most. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church in Rocky Top.
As much as David loved Clinton and the community he served for so many years, nothing was more important to him than his family. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them and held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.
David leaves behind a legacy of quiet service, loyalty, and devotion. He never needed the spotlight or recognition for all he did; he was simply a good man who loved his family, his friends, and his community. Those who knew David will forever miss his friendship and kindness.
David was preceded in death by his father, James David Queener; great-granddaughter, Carson Noe; and mother-in-law, Mae Hensley
He is survived by his loving wife, Paulette Queener; children, Josh Queener & wife Lauren and Melissa Newby & husband TJ; mother, Dorothy Queener; grandchildren, Austin Noe & wife Cheyenne, and Adeline Queener; great-grandson, Cooper Wayne Noe; expected great-granddaughter, Collins Noe; brother, Steve Queener & wife Laura; and his nephew, Matthew Queener & wife Ivy.
The family will receive friends from 11:00-1:00 pm, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life service to follow in the chapel. His graveside will immediately follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. Holleygamble.com

08/21/2026

Yesterday, Sheriff Russell Barker and the the Sheriff’s Office family celebrated their quarterly awards ceremony! We took an opportunity to recognize deputies teamwork, and for the sheriff to show his gratitude for their hard work and commitment to our team.
“Thank you to everyone, you make our community safer and stronger”Sheriff Barker said. “I know the sacrifices each one of you make for our county every day”!💙

08/18/2026

BREAKFAST WITH A SIDE OF HELPING KIDS!

Mark your calendars! The Red Door Committee Breakfast Fundraiser is happening Saturday, September 19th, from 8–11 AM at Apple Blossom Café & Catering!

For just $10 for adults and $5 for children, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast while supporting the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County and their mission to help children who have experienced abuse.

Come hungry. Leave knowing you helped make a difference.

Great breakfast. Great cause. Great community.

08/13/2026

08/05/2026

The Sheriff’s Office investigated and pursued this case tirelessly. The department would also like to thank the District Attorney General’s Office as well as all the law enforcement agencies who participated in the search and apprehension of Dockery. We were proud to bring justice to the victim’s family.