Sweetwater Police Department- TN

08/29/2026

BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE RELEASE

Every now and then, our body cameras capture something that deserves a second look.

We have determined there are several learning opportunities on the body camera here.

We will not be discussing what they are. If you see Sergeant Moore out and about, you might want to give him a few pointers though..

08/27/2026

Congratulations to the newest members of the Sweetwater Police Department!

We are proud to congratulate Officer Jarred Wilkins and Officer Steven Truman on becoming our two newest full-time police officers!

Both officers began with SPD in a part-time capacity and have worked their way into full-time positions. They will continue working alongside their Field Training Officers as they gain valuable experience and prepare to attend the police academy.

We’re proud to have them on our team and look forward to watching them grow in their careers serving the citizens of Sweetwater.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Wilkins and Officer Truman and welcoming them to their new roles!

08/17/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER ALERT ⚠️

A strong line of storms is moving east toward our area, with portions of Monroe County potentially in its path.

The National Weather Service reports these storms are capable of producing:

Wind gusts up to 60 MPH
Penny-size hail
Damage to trees, power lines, roofs, and property

Residents in Sweetwater and throughout Monroe County should stay weather aware as these storms move east. Conditions can change quickly, so have a way to receive weather alerts and be prepared to seek shelter if a warning is issued.

We’ll continue monitoring conditions and share updates as necessary. ⛈️

08/14/2026

MEET YOUR 2026–2027 SRO DIVISION!

This school year will look a little different for our School Resource Officer Division!

With Sweetwater City Schools acquiring Sweetwater High School, our SRO Division has grown with the addition of two more SRO positions.

We’re also preparing for a bittersweet change. Our SRO Sergeant, Jim Kile, recently won the Monroe County Sheriff’s election and will officially take office on September 1st. While we’re sad to see him leave our department, we couldn’t be prouder of him as he begins this next chapter of his law enforcement career.

With some familiar faces returning and some new faces joining the hallways, we’re excited to introduce our SRO Division:

Sweetwater Primary School
SRO Brandon Cansler — returning

Sweetwater Elementary School
SRO Jalen Smith — returning

Brown Intermediate School
SRO James Willett — returning

Sweetwater Junior High School
SRO Jarren Turpeinen — joining the SRO Division and will take over for Sergeant Kile when he takes office in September

Sweetwater High School
SRO Adam Dowell
SRO Danny Poe

Our SROs are more than just a law enforcement presence inside our schools. They’re there to build relationships, keep our students and staff safe, and be a familiar face our kids can count on every day.

Please help us welcome our new SROs and welcome back those returning for another school year! We’re excited about this new chapter for the SRO Division and looking forward to a great year with Sweetwater City Schools!

08/12/2026

🛑 STOP MEANS STOP — ESPECIALLY FOR A SCHOOL BUS 🛑

With school back in session, we want to remind everyone to slow down, pay attention, and STOP for school buses that are loading or unloading children.

Under Tennessee law, drivers approaching a stopped school bus must stop and remain stopped until the bus begins moving again, the bus driver signals you to proceed, or the bus’s warning signals are no longer activated.

Passing a stopped school bus isn’t just dangerous — it’s illegal.

A violation can result in a Class A misdemeanor and fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. Penalties can become even more serious if a driver strikes someone while illegally passing a stopped school bus.

Those flashing red lights and that stop arm are there for one reason: a child is entering or crossing the roadway.

A few seconds of your time is never worth risking a child’s life.

See the lights. See the stop arm. STOP.

08/11/2026

PROMOTION ALERT!

We would like to congratulate Chris Corona on his recent promotion to Patrol Sergeant with the Sweetwater Police Department!

Chris has proven himself to be a dedicated officer who takes pride in serving our community. We’re proud to see him take this next step in his career and look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a leader within our department.

A promotion brings new responsibilities, new challenges, and plenty of paperwork — but we know Sergeant Corona is ready for all of it!

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Chris Corona on his well deserved promotion!

07/29/2026

We’re doing things a little differently this year!

Join us next Tuesday, August 4, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for our Back-to-School Bash at Engleman Park!

Bring the whole family out for an evening of food, games, and community as we get ready for a great school year. We can’t wait to see you there!

07/17/2026

UPDATE: FALSE 911 CALL / SWATTING INCIDENT

A short time ago, officers with the Sweetwater Police Department responded to the downtown area after receiving a report of four masked individuals armed with fi****ms entering a business. The caller also reported hearing gunfire and claimed that a person had been shot.

Out of an abundance of caution, multiple officers responded immediately and temporarily closed Main Street at the intersections of Main & Monroe Street and Main Street & W. Walnut Street while the area was searched.

After a thorough investigation of the reported scene and communication with dispatch, officers determined the call to be a false report, commonly referred to as a “swatting” call. No evidence was found to support the claims made by the caller, and there is no threat to the public.

This remains an active investigation as officers work to identify the individual responsible for making the false report.

We want to assure the community that the area is safe. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while officers worked to verify the situation.

Thank you to Monroe County Emergency Services - 911 and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with this incident.

07/07/2026

Very well deserved. Chief Byrum has a true servants heart. Congratulations from your family at SPD, Chief!

Mayor Angie Arp Kyle presented a Proclamation during the board meeting Monday night naming July 1, 2026 Robert E. Byrum day in Sweetwater in honor of Chief Byrum’s 25 years of service as Sweetwater’s Police Chief. Thank you Chief Byrum for your leadership, dedication, and service to the citizens of Sweetwater.