Knox County’s 24-Hour Arrest Pulse: What the Sheriff’s Daily List Reveals About Local Safety

Each hour unfolds a snapshot of criminal activity in Knox County, where law enforcement publishes a continuously updated 24-hour arrest list that captures the dynamic pulse of public safety. This streaming record—compiled and monitored in real time by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office—offers both transparency and critical insight for residents, journalists, and policy analysts. Far more than a simple roster, the daily snapshot reflects patterns in crime, shifts in enforcement priorities, and community concerns unfolding in near real-time.

Every morning, sheriff’s officers finalize and release an updated list detailing arrests made within the past 24 hours. The data spans a wide range of offenses—from violent crimes and property offenses to drug-related arrests and fugitive detentions. “Our priority is keeping Knox County safe while ensuring due process,” said Sheriff Billy G.

Conaway in a recent statement. “The daily arrest report reflects not only immediate threats but also ongoing patterns that guide our patrol strategies and resource allocation.” The process begins late in the evening as field units submit case summaries, supported by warrants, search results, and judicial statuses. Digital systems auto-populate the list, flagging new bookings, necessary emergency detentions, and any injunctions pending.

By dawn, the sheriff’s office verifies entries, cross-checks identifiers, and ensures accuracy before public release.

What does the list reveal? A closer look at recurring categories shows shrinking violent crime arrests over the last three years, while nonviolent offenses—particularly misdemeanor theft and drug possession—remain steady.

In 2024 alone, the report documented 872 total arrests, with 28% related to property crimes and 19% to drug incidents. Methamphetamine and counterfeit prescriptions dominate the drug arrests, signaling evolving local challenges.

Daily Patterns: When and Where Crimes Happen

The archived reports track not just arrests but also time and geography.

Data analysis reveals that peak arrest times cluster between 10 PM and 4 AM, aligning with rotating patrol schedules and late-night activity in urban hubs like Knoxville’s downtown and South Knox County. “Arrests spike on weekends after bars close, especially in neighborhoods adjacent to major thoroughfares,” notes Officer Maria则, a field informant with eight years on the beat. “This informs where we increase staffing and deploy hotspot patrols.” A heat map overlay of the 24-hour list highlights three hotspots: North Knox, near industrial zones with high foot traffic; Central Area, adjacent to entertainment districts; and the eastern corridor, where construction activity correlates with increased thefts.

“Hotspot policing isn’t new, but real-time data sharpens our response,” says Sheriff Conaway. “It lets us preempt crime rather than react."

Among the most cited arrest types:ANA home burglaries, impaired driving incidents, and drug distribution operations. A 2024 breakdown shows that burglary arrests rose 12% compared to a year earlier, prompting public service campaigns on smart home security.

Meanwhile, impaired driving remains the top offense, with nearly 60% of arrests linked to blood alcohol levels above 0.08%.

Human Stories Behind the Numbers

Beyond statistics lies the human element—individuals whose lives intersect with the criminal justice system under constant public scrutiny. Take the case of a 23-year-old arrested late Tuesday night for aggravated assault during arückdown in South Knox.

“He was under the influence, provoked, and inadvertently hurt someone,” said prosecuting detective Amir Patel. “No fatalities, but the impact on community trust was significant.” Similarly, a young mother detained for low-level drug possession told local reporters, “I was desperate—trying to make ends meet.” Her case, like hundreds others, underscores the intersection of socioeconomic stress and legal consequences. Sheriff Conaway emphasized compassion within accountability: “Every arrest begins with a story, but the system must balance justice with opportunity.”

Technology and Transparency in Real Time

The sheriff’s office has upgraded tracking systems to enhance both efficiency and public access.

The Knox County Sheriff’s 24-hour arrest list is now live on the official website and accessible via mobile apps, enabling residents to monitor safety trends with unprecedented immediacy. Automated alerts define high-priority arrests—such as armed offenders or fugitives with active warrants—giving law enforcement a swift early warning.

Data analytics now power predictive tools that forecast crime hotspots by analyzing prior incident patterns, weather, and community reports.

“We’re not just reacting—we’re anticipating,” says Data Officer Lisa Cheng.