Lincoln County Sheriff's Department
931-433-9821 • In Case of Emergency Dial 911
931-433-9821 • In Case of Emergency Dial 911
A Message From The Sheriff:
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is 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 for our citizen's and visitors. Thank you for visiting us.
Sheriff Joyce McConnell
Sheriff Joyce McConnell has been with the Department 30 years. Sheriff McConnell was the first woman in law enforcement to be state certified for Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.
As an Investigator, McConnell specialized in investigating child physical/sexual abuse cases and worked with the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute these cases. Sheriff McConnell worked with TBI, FBI, and the ICAC (Internet Crimes against Children) unit to detect, investigate and prosecute child pornography cases in Lincoln County.
Joyce served in the Army National Guard for approximately 4 years and served briefly in Saudi Arabia during the Desert Storm Crisis. After returning to civilian life, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, graduating with Cum Laude Honors before beginning her career at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department in 1992.
Joyce McConnell was appointed Sheriff on August 1st, 2023 upon Sheriff Murray Blackwelder's retirement, making Sheriff McConnell the first female Sheriff of Lincoln County.
As an Investigator, McConnell specialized in investigating child physical/sexual abuse cases and worked with the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute these cases. Sheriff McConnell worked with TBI, FBI, and the ICAC (Internet Crimes against Children) unit to detect, investigate and prosecute child pornography cases in Lincoln County.
Joyce served in the Army National Guard for approximately 4 years and served briefly in Saudi Arabia during the Desert Storm Crisis. After returning to civilian life, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, graduating with Cum Laude Honors before beginning her career at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department in 1992.
Joyce McConnell was appointed Sheriff on August 1st, 2023 upon Sheriff Murray Blackwelder's retirement, making Sheriff McConnell the first female Sheriff of Lincoln County.
Chief Deputy Jeff Bradford
Chief Jeff Bradford, with 36 years of Law Enforcement experience, serves as SWAT Team Commander and oversees special function groups for the department. Special Function groups includes Courthouse Division, Honor Guard, K-9 Units, and Transportation. Chief Bradford is a department firearm’s instructor and is over the department’s Supply and Logistics.
Chief Bradford started the Citizen's Police Academy and oversees its' operations today. Jeff has served in both Patrol and Investigations Divisions before working his way to Chief. Chief Bradford is a life-long resident of Lincoln County and has been serving its’ citizens since 1986.
Chief Bradford started the Citizen's Police Academy and oversees its' operations today. Jeff has served in both Patrol and Investigations Divisions before working his way to Chief. Chief Bradford is a life-long resident of Lincoln County and has been serving its’ citizens since 1986.