Sexton updates Flock cameras, downtown patrols, detention center

Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton updated the Johnson City Press this week on downtown patrols, progress within the detention center and Flock cameras. Back in July, WCSO deputies were sent to patrol the downtown area of Johnson City to help reduce crime rates within the area. Downtown business had shown concerns of rising criminal activity and reached out to Sexton for help. After four weeks, Sexton said business owners and community members were appreciative of the presence of deputies. There are no current plans to bring WSCO deputies back into the area, but Sexton said he is always more than willing to help when asked. "I have had numerous people come up to me … and say that 'while we were down here it was a totally different atmosphere' and they're very appreciative," Sexton said. Flock cameras WCSO has around a dozen Flock cameras installed within their jurisdiction. Sexton said that the tag reading ability of the cameras has been extremely helpful in investigations and solving crime. He said although they have a limited number of cameras, WCSO does have access to local Flock cameras, and he said that has been helpful. Sexton said he understands that some community members have concerns of Flock cameras violating the U.S. Constitution's fourth amendment. He said that is not the intention when using cameras but to help solve crime. Washington County Detention Center Sexton said Washington County's detention center and the workhouse have been certified as a Tennessee Corrections Institute tier two facility as of early December last year. This means that both facilities have met at least four mandatory standards out of the 20 optional standards given by TCI. Those mandatory standards that have been met are — minimum of one staff member whose primary role is to oversee accreditation standards, at least two evidence-based programs focusing on life skills or behavioral health, at least one program focusing on education or life skills and screening of inmates for risks of victimization and abusiveness. According to a press release set out on Dec. 4, 2025, this is the first time in history that both facilities have been Tier 2 certified by TCI. For more than a year and a half, WCSO has incorporated a behavioral program within the detention center to help those struggling with addiction and mental illness. "I would say 90 percent or better have struggled with addiction and then we have a great number that struggle with mental illness," Sexton said. "It seems as if the county jails have become the new mental institutions for society and that shouldn't be (that way)." Sexton said that as a part of their TCI tier two accreditation was implementing a what they call a stepping up initiative. "The stepping up initiative says that mentally ill people don't belong in jail," Sexton said. "So we should do something to keep that from happening and that's been a big part of our behavioral health push." Sexton said that since beginning the behavioral program they have seen a 20 percent reduction in recidivism of those who have gone through the program. He said that they've seen people go through the behavioral program, have their diagnosis identified, put on the right medication and they are readily functioning human beings. "Another part of that is we try to have a warm handoff to society so that when they leave this jail, they're not going right back to where they were at," Sexton said. "If they go back to the same environment, they're going to come right back." Sexton said that these aren't bad people, rather they make bad decisions because they are not in the right state of mind. He said the great majority of those arrested can get back on track with some help. Project Lifesaver Susan Saylor, WCSO's public information officer, said that they have implemented a program called Project Lifesaver that is going on its second year of service. She said the program is for kids and adults with dementia or Alzheimer's who like to wander. Each participant receives a band that tracks them via satellite when needed. When the band is put on someone, scents of that individual are taken for K-9's to find them if needed. Saylor said the cost of each band is not cheap, but it is worth it to be able to find at least one kid who has wandered off. She said there are currently 14 participants of this program.