Smyth County Sheriff's Office

 Information

Chief Deputy Johnny Joannou began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol officer.  He soon became a narcotic K-9 handler for the Sheriff’s Office.  He attended the Virginia Department Corrections K-9 Academy, in the 90’s.  In 1999, he moved into investigations department where he was promoted from ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.  He is a graduate of the 2004 Virginia Forensic Science Academy.  During his career as an investigator he worked a variety of cases to include three Capital Murder investigations. 

Chief Deputy Joannou is a certified instructor by the Department of Criminal Justice.   He teaches at the Police Academy as well as training other officers and investigators for surrounding law enforcement agencies.  He also has an associate’s degree in business administration.

Chief Deputy Joannou has received awards from the Smyth County Victim Witness Program in 2002, for outstanding service to victims and the Forensic Science Academy Member of the Year in 2005 for his work in Crime Scene Technology.