The Cherokee County Sheriff's Department is headquartered in Murphy, behind the Cherokee County Courthouse.
Deputies reside in strategic locations throughout the county.
The Murphy Police Department and the Andrews Police Department provide additional protection within the city limits of each respective town. Other agencies with law enforcement responsibilities within the county include the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the State Bureau of Investigation and the TVA Police. A 911 emergency response system is in effect for law enforcement, fire, medical and other emergencies. Volunteer fire departments are located throughout the county's rural communities. Children under age 3 are required to ride in a child restraint seat.