Lieutenant Blake Witt
(423) 744-2739
Protect and Serve
The Special Services Division is led by Lieutenant Blake Witt. Lieutenant Witt began his Law Enforcement Career in 2008, then took a Deputy Position with the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office in 2010, later he was promoted to Detective Sergeant at McMinn County, after serving eight years with McMinn County he took a Detective position with the Athens Police Department in 2018 and worked in the Detective Division until he was promoted to Special Services Lieutenant in May of 2022. Lieutenant Witt’s training ranges from Advanced Homicide Investigations to Medicolegal Death/Forensic Investigations, he is a graduate of TBI’s State Academy Session X. Born and raised in Athens Tennessee Lieutenant Witt loves his hometown and has a desire to help make this City safe for all its citizens and visitors.
This division includes the Department’s Detective Unit, School Resource Unit, Directed Patrol Unit, and the Chaplain Unit.
The Detective Unit consists of four detectives who are assigned cases that are especially complicated or long-term in nature. This unit is also responsible for running the Department’s in-house crime lab. Developed in 2019, this crime lab allows the department to process evidence for fingerprints, DNA, Cell Phone Extractions, and conduct other basic tasks that the agency could not perform prior to the lab.
The School Resource Unit consists of three uniformed officers assigned to the Athens City School System. These officers serve as a liaison between the Department and School System, which aids in the Department’s efforts to ensure the safety of our students.
The Directed Patrol Unit consists of one uniformed officer who is tasked with long-term management of cases and issues that are not easily handled by patrol officers who work unusual shift hours. Some notable examples of the things this officer handles are the City’s Downtown area and the Police Department’s ongoing efforts to address issues related to homelessness in the area.
The Chaplain Unit consist of three civilian Chaplains who aide Patrol and the Department when requested. They can help provide resources for those in need of counseling and also coordinate with local Churches in assisting with hunger issues and warming shelters during the colder months. The Chaplain Unit is an important part of the Special Services Division as they provide emotional/spiritual support for those victimized by high profile scenes, rapes, homicides, etc.
POLICE CONTACTSCommunications (Non-Emergency)
(423) 745-3687
Records, Reports, & Courts Questions
(423) 744-2730
Email: police@athenstn.gov
