50 Years of Sheriff History
A look back at the sheriffs who have served Claiborne County
The office of Sheriff has a long and storied history in Claiborne County, Tennessee. As we look toward the future of law enforcement in our community, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on those who have served in this important role over the past five decades.
Here's what we know about the sheriffs who have led our county's law enforcement since the mid-1970s:
Timeline of Sheriffs
(Prior sheriffs not yet verified)
1976 – Mid-1990s
Jim Bishop
Approx. 1995 – 2004?
Dates not confirmed
David Ray
? – August 31, 2018
Bob Brooks
2018 – Present
Current Sheriff
January 2026 — Election Year
Michael Cavins
August 2026
A new era of accountability and professionalism. Experienced law enforcement professional, lifelong Claiborne County resident, dedicated to restoring trust and serving every member of our community with integrity.
✨ Your vote can make this happen ✨
Together, we can bring new leadership, transparency, and accountability to Claiborne County. A safer community starts here.
A New Chapter for Claiborne County
The history of law enforcement in Claiborne County has seen both successes and challenges. Through it all, our community has remained resilient and committed to the values that matter most: integrity, transparency, and public safety.
Michael Cavins is running for Sheriff to bring a fresh start to our county. With extensive law enforcement experience and a lifelong commitment to our community, Michael is ready to restore trust, ensure accountability, transparency, leadership and write a new chapter in Claiborne County's Sheriff history built on professionalism and service to all residents.
Help Us Complete This History
This timeline is a work in progress. If you have information about sheriffs who served during the gaps in our records, we'd appreciate hearing from you. Accurate historical records help our community learn from the past as we build a better future.
Claiborne County's Historic First: Sheriff Della Riley
In 1932, Della Riley was elected sheriff of Claiborne County, making her the first female sheriff in Tennessee. Prior to her election, her husband Frank Riley served three consecutive terms during which time she worked as a deputy.
Just one year after her election, a wealthy but reclusive local farmer was mysteriously killed. Riley was tasked with the capture of the individuals responsible. She worked with Knoxville police to arrest the father-son duo who admitted to the crime. Her role in their capture and arrest was later profiled in a national true crime magazine.