Sheriff Jim Hammond told County Commission members on Thursday that he is short-handed in several areas. He said the pricetag for the new personnel is just over $1.9 million - or an eight-percent budget increase.
At a quarterly luncheon with commission members, Sheriff Hammond said he is short six deputies.
He said six more School Resource Officers are needed to provide coverage for the high schools and middle schools.
The sheriff also wants four more detectives and 15 more workers at the County Jail.
He said he recently gave an order that each floor at the jail have two officers at all times due to safety factors.
Also at the meeting, commission members were told that gang problems are extending in the suburbs.
They are evident up Highway 58 beyond Central High School and in some parts of Hixson, it was stated.
Commissioner Mitch McClure said, "The footprint of crime is expanding."
Sheriff Hammond said he makes as much use of volunteers as possible. Last year, they contributed 14,305 manhours.
He said he would like to double the size of the reserve corps.