Sheriff's Mission: To Serve,
Protect and Defend

Our county is one of the largest east of the Mississippi. Our dedicated deputies and civilians are among the best in the business and they work hard every day for the citizens of our growing county. The cornerstone of our success will always be our people – the women and men who each day deliver on our pledge to serve and protect.

The Swain County Sheriff’s office asks for your assistance in reporting crimes of any nature. You are the extension of the Sheriff’s office and with your help we can make Swain County a safer and better place to live.

A new jail is under construction at this time. It is located on Hughes Branch across from the Ingles grocery store. Projected date for opening is March 2008. The new jail will house inmates, Sheriff’s Office and 911 dispatch. This new building will be named the Swain County Law Enforcement Center.

Animal Control is handled by Tri-County Animal Control. All requests for pickup should come through the dispatch office at 488-2196 or 488-2197.

The Bryson City Police Department handles all calls inside the city limits. They can be reached through 911 dispatch or 828-488-3050. The Chief of Police is Rick Tabor.

The NC State Highway Patrol is responsible for traffic and vehicle accidents. Their phone is 828-488-2184 or 800-445-1772. First Sergeant is Chuck McMahan.

Pistol purchase and concealed weapons permits are handled by the Administrative Assistant Cindy Jenkins, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. All permits are reviewed by the Sheriff for either approval or denial.

For sex offender information, contact the Administrative Assistant Cindy Jenkins at 828-488-4844 or you can access the registry online at www.ncfindoffender.com

For Victim Assistance contact the District Attorney’s office at 828-454-6510.

Video poker is illegal in all 100 counties in North Carolina.