As the Knox County sheriff’s primary approaches, voters are asking practical questions: What does the sheriff actually control? How is success measured? And how much of the job is management rather than messaging?
To provide clarity, I invited every declared candidate for Knox County Sheriff to respond to the same five questions focused on governance rather than campaign slogans. Each candidate received the same word limits and deadline. The goal was to compare how candidates understand transparency, performance, budgets and the limits of the office.
Transparency: What should the public see?
All responding candidates emphasized transparency, but framed it differently.
Jimmy “J.J.” Jones pointed to policies, procedures, and use-of-force review. “When questions arise about an incident, relevant footage should be reviewed promptly and released when legally permissible,” Jones wrote, adding that clear explanations are important when information cannot yet be shared.
Brent Gibson focused on financial transparency. “The sheriff’s office manages substantial public funds,” he wrote, arguing that spending information should be easier for the public to locate and understand. On critical incidents, Gibson said that when facts are known and disclosure does not compromise investigations, “withholding those confirmed details only invites speculation.”
David Amburn proposed quarterly public briefings and community meetings. “The public deserves clear, timely information about how the sheriff’s office operates and spends tax dollars,” Amburn wrote, emphasizing aggregate data, redacted reports, and consistent disclosure policies.
Measuring success: data, trust, or both?
Candidates also differed in how they would evaluate success in their first year.
Jones said he would focus on response times, crime trends and public confidence, writing that together they “offer a complete picture of performance and effectiveness.”
Gibson moved away from traditional crime metrics, arguing that leadership should be evaluated through internal and community feedback. “It is not enough to occupy a leadership position if the people who serve alongside you do not feel supported,” he wrote, proposing 360-degree evaluations and anonymous surveys.
Amburn emphasized operational data, prioritizing reductions in violent crime, drug activity, and overdoses. “Protecting the men and women who serve must always come first,” he wrote, adding that response times, DUI arrests, and overtime hours are key indicators of agency health.
Budget reality: A $114 million office
According to the county’s proposed 2025–26 operating plan, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office would manage a budget of approximately $114.6 million, making it one of the largest departments in county government.
Jones and Gibson both said they would first review and reallocate existing resources before requesting additional funding, citing efficiency and accountability. Jones noted that jail overcrowding may eventually require county commission involvement.
Amburn framed budget needs around county growth, arguing that staffing and resources must scale with expanding neighborhoods and development to maintain response times and safety.
Juvenile detention: Authority has limits
All candidates acknowledged that the Knox County Juvenile Detention Facility operates outside the sheriff’s direct administrative control.
Recent reporting indicates county leaders are considering shifting oversight of the facility to a juvenile court judge, highlighting that responsibility is shared and evolving.
Jones and Gibson said the sheriff’s role would be cooperative rather than operational. Amburn cautioned that placing the facility under sheriff control would require significant upgrades, estimating more than $2 million in safety and security costs alone.
Who responded — and who didn’t
Responses were received from Jones, Gibson, and Amburn.
Mike Davis, a former Knox County deputy and retired DEA agent, did not submit responses by the stated deadline.
Chris Allison, a Knox County Sheriff’s Office detective, confirmed receipt of the questions and later withdrew from the race.
Why this matters
The sheriff’s office is not just a law enforcement role; it is a large administrative position overseeing personnel, budgets, detention operations, and interagency coordination. Understanding how candidates define transparency, measure success, and recognize the limits of their authority can help voters move beyond slogans and make informed decisions.
This article is intended for voter education and does not endorse any candidate.
Det. Brandon Burley (Ret.), M.P.A., is a criminal justice educator whose academic work focuses on reducing recidivism through public policy. He has authored several criminal justice books and has been published in national law enforcement publications.
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I had the pleasure meeting up with David Amburn and we had a lengthy discussion about the future of the Sheriff’s Office. Being a degreed Criminologist and a retired 23 year police detective in California David and I related well on several topics. David has been with the Knox County Sheruff’s Office for over 40 years serving in ever capacity and department. He worked his way up as an Administrator and currently is Chief of Detectives. David is well versed in how to manage a large budget and manage effectively with his detectives who highly respect him. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide excellent law enforcement under his leadership and keep the citizens of Knox County well protected in this very challenging. Please vote for David Amburn as your next Sheriff of Knox County.
If the only qualifications for being Chief of Detectives is working as a Fleet Manager for 20 plus years, then the guy working at Auto Zone should be able to be promoted to Chief of Detectives.
The only candidate that has the qualifications for the next Sheriff is Brent Gibson.
Please don’t make a decision that will affect Knox County residents for at least the next 4 years without listening to the other candidates.
Brent is strong-willed and driven—you really need to come out and meet Brent in person to understand that. When all the candidates are placed side by side, it becomes clear who is willing to maintain the status quo and who is prepared to lead real change.
Brent played football for the Tennessee Volunteers alongside Peyton Manning, a testament to his discipline, resilience, and leadership. It takes far more than holding a title to knock him off course. With the other candidates, voters can expect more of the same.
Take a serious look at Brent’s résumé: a graduate of the FBI Academy, former SWAT Commander, and a proven leader with extensive experience. The list goes on. This should not even be a close race—no other candidate comes close to Brent’s qualifications, and I can say that with complete confidence.