Home History Visit Events FAQ I Want To County Departments Home/County Officials/Jail & Detention Center Josh Hartsell, Chief of Corrections It would be great if there was no need for a jail, but that is not the world in which we live. It is necessary at times for individuals to be isolated from society due to circumstances in their life. As our world, laws and expectations have changed the jail has become not just a place to incarcerate criminals, but also a place to temporarily house those individuals who are dealing with substance abuse, and even mental illness. The challenges facing our local jail are demanding and constantly changing. The men and women who choose a career as a Correctional Officer have far greater expectations placed upon them than just keeping criminals locked up. They are called upon to assess and respond to a wide variety of circumstances. They must react to various personality issues, violent criminals, suicidal inmates, persons with communicable diseases, the need for First Aid, individuals suffering from the effects of illegal substances, inmates and families who may be dealing with any number of social, emotional or even psychological issues. Along with these situations, they also serve 400 to 500 meals every day of the week, distribute prescription medications and do their best to see to it that inmate hygiene is observed and recreation time is allowed. Corrections Officers are also called upon to ensure that each inmate’s religious rights are met. The days of the jovial town drunk letting himself in and out of jail are over. The standards and expectations on our jail are at an all-time high and still rising. I give my personal thanks to the people of Cocke County for your support, thoughts and prayers for the men and women who choose to be Correctional Officers. How does my inmate get to be a Trusty? Why can’t you give my inmate a message for me? When my inmate appears in court and the judge releases them, why does it take so long for them to be booked out? Why doesn’t the jail allow hygiene products from the families of inmates? How can I deposit money onto my inmate’s phone or commissary account? When does my inmate go to court? Important Information Cocke County Jail 358 East Main Street Newport, Tennessee 37821 423-623-9043 Email: josh.hartsell@cockecountysd.com Hours 8 AM-4 PM Monday –Friday HELPFUL NUMBERS Sheriff’s Office: 423-623-6004 County Clerk: 423-623-6176 Highway Department: 423-623-3251 Cocke County Mayor Crystal Ottinger HELPFUL LINKS Cocke County Partnership State of Tn Tn Property data Jobs for TN City of Newport City of Parrottsville 360 East Main Street Newport, TN 37821 STAY CONNECTED 423-623-8791 Cottinger@cockecounty.net © Copyright 2021 Cocke County Tennessee | All Rights Reserved | ADA Statement Facebook Twitter Instagram Toggle Sliding Bar Area