The Smith County Sheriffs Department responds to calls for service and investigates criminal offenses that occur in the unincorporated areas of Smith County. The department also assists police departments of the cities of Bullard, Lindale, Overton, Troup, Tyler, and Whitehouse, Texas. It maintains several detention facilities and handles security for the county courthouse and tax building. The Smith County Sheriffs Department employs more than 150 detention personnel, over 35 patrol personnel, nearly 10 investigative personnel and several nonsworn personnel. The department also has a reserve deputy force of approximately 70 certified officers. The Smith County Sheriffs Department, established in 1846, is located in Tyler, Texas.