The Athens Police Department does not operate its dispatch center. All dispatch services are provided by McMinn County 911. This organization is located at a separate location from the Police Department and provides services in exchange for payment set forth in a contract. Dispatch is also not controlled by the police department; they are governed by a board whose members are appointed by the McMinn County Mayor. If you call the Athens Police Department to report a crime, the person who answers the phone will likely have to connect you with the Dispatch Center to ensure that your request can be relayed to officers in the field.  

The Athens Police Department is eager to assist any of our local partners in the area that hold events throughout the year, such as speaking engagements for local groups or churches, career events at schools, anti-drug or property protection discussions for neighborhoods, or officer meet and greets at festivals or events. If you would like to request an officer(s), please contact Lt. Steven Thomas at 423-744-2732 or thomas@athenstn.gov.

Please review Title 15 of the Athens City Code 
https://athens.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=TITLE_15_VEHICLES,_TRAFFIC_AND_PARKING

All reports are handled by the records department. Due to state regulations, many reports cannot be released until a records request form is completed and processed. If you have questions regarding the status of your report or records request, you can contact the records clerk for any assistance.

If you have received a traffic citation from the Athens Police Department, you have several options available. You can appear in the Athens Municipal Court to pay the citation or set a trial date for a hearing on your case. Your municipal court date is printed on your citation and will be either a Monday or Wednesday at 4 p.m. Citations may also be paid in the clerk’s office of the police department or online here. If you choose to pay your citation online, after being directed to the secure site, choose “Athens” from the list of cities in the drop-down box, and when prompted to enter the “court info”, enter the citation number printed on your citation.

If a citizen wishes to file a complaint on an officer of The Athens Police Department, they are encouraged to do so by either speaking with any APD supervisor in person, by telephone, or by letter or email, or asking any officer or clerk for a citizen complaint form and completing the form and returning it. If the complainant’s contact information is provided, they will be contacted by an administrative officer once the investigation has been completed.

The Athens Police Department is always looking for motivated, intelligent candidates to join our team. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to apply at the Human Resources Department.

The Athens Police Department Supports Efforts to Keep Your Children Safe. Check Out the Polly Klaas Foundation for More Information.
Home – The Polly Klaas Foundation

The officer is requesting the right to road clearance, or the Officer is signaling to you to pull over.

What should I do?

-Pull over as far to the right as safely possible. The Officer is selecting the traffic stop position for both your and the Officer’s safety.

-Please stay in the vehicle unless directed by the Officer to get out.

-The Officer will ask you for some information: your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and the vehicle registration.

-You will be told why you were stopped.

-If you receive a citation, the Officer will advise you of a court date, which allows you to appear before a Judge. The Officer will give you a Traffic fact sheet explaining how you can dispose of your case with a minimum of trouble and expense.

-After the traffic stop is completed, use caution and return to the flow of traffic

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