The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA), Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (TSA), Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI), and the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) are proud to partner in presenting the 2026 Newly Elected Sheriffs’ School, a comprehensive two-week training program designed to prepare Tennessee's newly elected sheriffs for the responsibilities of leading their offices.
The week one mandatory training is conducted pursuant to T.C.A. § 8-8-102(c)(2) and provides an essential orientation to the constitutional, legal, financial, administrative, and operational duties of the Office of Sheriff in Tennessee.
The program is divided into two distinct weeks to ensure focused instruction for key leadership personnel:
- Week One is reserved for newly elected sheriffs and their chief deputies. The curriculum introduces participants to the broad responsibilities of the sheriff's office, including leadership, legal issues, personnel management, budgeting, internal controls, purchasing, grant management, and other critical administrative functions.
- Week Two is dedicated to newly elected sheriffs and their jail administrators, with chief deputies also encouraged to attend. Because county jails represent one of the greatest areas of liability facing Tennessee sheriffs, this week places special emphasis on jail administration, state jail inspection standards, operational issues, and risk management. Sheriffs are strongly encouraged to attend this portion of the program to gain the knowledge necessary to effectively oversee jail operations.
Throughout the two-week school, participants will hear from a variety of state stakeholders and subject matter experts covering financial management, legal responsibilities, personnel issues, internal controls, jail operations, and other topics critical to successful sheriff's office administration. CTAS County Government Consultants will provide specialized instruction on budgeting, purchasing, internal controls, and grant management. To maximize the value of these sessions, sheriffs are asked to bring a copy of their sheriff's office operating budget.
The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association will distribute additional information to newly elected sheriffs, including program details and logistical information, prior to the start of the school.
The 2026 Newly Elected Sheriffs’ School reflects the continued commitment of TLETA, TSA, TCI, and CTAS to equip Tennessee's newest sheriffs with the knowledge, resources, and professional partnerships needed to lead their offices with confidence and serve their communities effectively.
More information will be available closer to time. Please keep checking our Newly Elected Sheriffs School webpage for updates.