Meet our Command Staff

In 2014, Chief White accepted the position of Patrol Captain with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. During his tenure, he has successfully completed numerous training classes, earned many certifications and, has received a great many awards.

In 2018, Sheriff Tommy Jones appointed Chief White to his current position as Chief Deputy of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. His appointment was a direct reflection of his dedication to the department and the community he serves.

Chief White is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and administrative functions of the department, serving as the second-in-command to the Sheriff. His role includes managing personnel, coordinating law enforcement activities, ensuring compliance with departmental policies, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance public safety. Chief White supervises division commanders, assists in budgeting and resource allocation, and acts as the Sheriff’s representative in his absence. Chief White’s position requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to maintain effective relationships with community members, government agencies, and other law enforcement partners.

Chief Keener possesses several law enforcement instructor certificates including Firearms, TASER, ASP Baton, Domestic Violence, and Defensive Tactics. He has successfully completed numerous law enforcement training courses/classes. Over his long career, Chief Keener has also received many awards and recognition for his service in public safety and the community.

Chief Keener is responsible for the overall management, security, and daily operations of the Monroe County Detention Center. His responsibilities include supervising correctional staff, ensuring the safe and humane custody of inmates, and maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Chief Keener also develops and implements policies and procedures, oversees inmate classification and housing assignments, and manages facility budgets and resources. Additionally, he coordinates training programs, ensures staff adherence to professional standards, and works closely with judicial and law enforcement agencies to support effective jail operation. Chief Keener was appointed to this position due to his strong leadership, communication, and crisis management skills.

After 31 years, Major Bivens retired from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in 2015. Immediately following his retirement, he joined the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the Captain of Training for the department. In December 2024 Captain Bivens was promoted to the rank of Major, the rank he holds today.

Major Bivens is responsible for overseeing the training requirements for all full-time, part-time and auxiliary officers. Law enforcement training responsibilities encompass the development, coordination and implementation of comprehensive training programs designed to prepare officers for the diverse challenges of modern policing. Major Bivens responsibilities include evaluating performance, ensuring compliance with departmental policies, as well as federal, state and local laws. Ultimately, proper training ensures that law enforcement personnel are equipped to perform their duties with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

Captain Hardin has also successfully completed numerous hours of law enforcement training while serving in the U. S. Army and at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

After serving in the Pentagon, Captain Hardin was assigned to the U.S. Army Joint Task Force Six. He also served as Chief of the CounterDrug Operations Division responsible for operations throughout the southeast United States, Puerto Rico and Caribbean. In 1999, after 30 years of military service in the U.S. Army, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

As Captain of the Auxiliary Division, Captain Hardin is responsible for managing and directing the activities of auxiliary officers who support regular law enforcement personnel. His role includes coordinating schedules, assigning duties, and ensuring that auxiliary officers are properly trained and equipped to assist full-time officers with court duties, patrol support, marine patrol, S.W.A.T., traffic control, crowd management, community events, emergency response situations, and many other areas where support is needed. Additionally, Captain Hardin acts as a liaison between the auxiliary unit and full-time officers, promoting teamwork and ensuring the effective integration of auxiliary personnel into broader law enforcement operations. Captain Hardin is an integral part of Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recruitment of auxiliary officers/personnel who play a vital part in serving and protecting the residents and visitors of Monroe County.

Serving as Captain over Patrol, Captain Haynes is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of all patrol units, ensuring the effective enforcement of laws, regulations and departmental policies. He is also charged with supervising patrol officers, corporals, and sergeants, coordinating shift schedules, responding to critical incidents, and maintaining a visible leadership presence in the field. Captain Haynes ensures that patrol strategies are aligned with community policing goals, crime prevention initiatives, and public safety objectives.

Captain Haynes duties also include training oversight, inter-agency coordination, and serving as a liaison between command staff and field personnel to ensure clear communication and operational efficiency. In addition to patrol, fleet services, and maintaining officer uniforms and equipment, Captain Haynes oversees Auxiliary officers, Part-time Patrol Division, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office Program (THSO), and the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO).

In 2006, Captain Mason began working at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office serving as a Narcotics Officer, Detective, Corporal, and currently as the Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

Captain Mason in responsible for leading and managing all investigative operations within the Sheriff’s Office. This includes overseeing detectives and specialized units tasked with investigating major crimes such as homicide, sexual assault, robbery, child abuse and elder abuse investigations. Captain Mason ensures investigations are conducted thoroughly, ethically, and in accordance with legal standards. He is additionally responsible for case assignment, resource allocation, evidence management oversight, and coordination with prosecuting attorneys and other law enforcement agencies. He also develops and implements investigative strategies, monitors case progress, and ensures personnel receive appropriate training and professional development. His leadership role requires strong analytical, supervisory, and communications skills to effectively support justice and uphold public trust.

Captain Mason has successfully completed numerous educational courses over the years and maintains many law enforcement certifications. She has also received several awards including a Life Saving Award from the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.

Captain Mason oversees Monroe County Court Officers whose responsibilities are maintaining security and order within the county’s courthouses, ensuring the safety of judges, staff, and the public. Their duties include escorting defendants, enforcing courtroom rules, serving legal documents, and executing court orders such as arrests or evictions. Additionally, court officers monitor entrances, screen visitors, and respond to emergencies and disturbances. Captain Mason’s responsibilities also include maintaining the safety of jurors and attending to their needs during trials and deliberations.

By upholding the law and supporting the judicial process, Captain Mason and her officers play a vital role in the smooth and secure operation of Monroe County Courts.

Captain Vineyard graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1988 and served as an Instructor at the at the Cleveland State Police Academy from 1998-2000. Captain Vineyard has attended and successfully completed countless hours of specialized training classes such as Aerosol Projector Instructor, ALERRT Level 1 Instructor, ASP Tactical Baton Instructor, Defensive Driving Instructor, Domestic Violence Instructor, Taser Instructor, and many more. He has also served as a K-9 Patrol and Narcotics Handler.

Today, Captain Vineyard is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and performance of school resource officers assigned to the Monroe County Schools. His role involves ensuring that School Resource Officers (SRO’s) effectively maintain a safe and secure learning environment while fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and the community. Captain Vineyard coordinates training, monitors compliance with departmental policies, evaluates office conduct and effectiveness, and serves as a liaison between school administrators and law enforcement leadership. He also assists in developing safety plans. Managing critical incidents, and promoting programs that support student well-being and crime prevention.

During his many years of law enforcement service, Captain Williams successfully completed countless hours of training receiving a great number certifications including PREA Investigator, PREA Coordinator and Legal Liability and Risk Management. In addition to all of his training, Captain Williams has received numerous awards and accolades for his dedicated service.

Captain Williams is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions within the correctional facility, ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of all activities. He manages shift supervisors and line staff, inmate movement and housing, all while enforcing compliance with departmental policies and legal standards. Captain Williams coordinates critical functions such as intake and release procedures, emergency response planning, facility inspections, and incident reporting. He plays a key role in staff training, performance evaluations, and maintaining discipline among both inmates and personnel. His operational planning skills, leadership, and expertise are essential to maintaining a secure and orderly facility. Additionally, Captain Williams serves as the Warden over the Workhouse Program.