Catlett is charged with attempted first-degree murder in the March 19, 2007 wounding of her husband, Danny J. Catlett, at their home on Peachtree Circle

The Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation of the incident and went before the grand jury on Wednesday.

She is being held in the Bradley County jail with bond set at $250,000.

An additional shooting incident at the Catlett’s residence on May 6^th of this year was presented to the grand jury but no indictments were returned.

In previous columns I have discussed ways that can help homeowners lessen their chances of becoming the victim of a crime.   

It is equally important to be a good neighbor, to commit to efforts in your community aimed at crime prevention. Keeping an eye for suspicious activity – the concept of neighbor helping neighbor - is one of the basic ways to deter crime and make a neighborhood safer.  You become familiar with your neighbors, their habits and frequent visitors.  It becomes easy to notice situations that appear “out of the ordinary” and vehicles that are prowling to find an unoccupied home to burglarize.   

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs using the concept of neighbor helping neighbor. It is a proven, effective way to reduce criminal activity through citizen involvement.  Not only do homeowners get involved in the protection of their property, but watch programs promote strong citizen – law enforcement associations.

Founded in 1972, the organization is supported by most sheriffs and chiefs of police across the country.

Local associations work with law enforcement to receive the training they will need and in turn they provide valuable information back to the sponsoring agency.  Thieves often bypass areas where a neighborhood watch sign is posted because they know there is an active group of concerned citizens watching out for the welfare of others in the neighborhood.

If your community has a group keep it active.  Schedule frequent meetings for open crime prevention discussions and leave the door open for new residents of the community to join.  Offer them the same training as other members and suggest the association as a way to become acquainted with their new neighbors.  If necessary, canvass door-to-door to recruit members.

Watch meetings should be used as an opportunity to share information about work schedules, those who are home during the day, those who are retired, and those confined indoors by illness.  Watch groups can also be used to determine interest in special activities, such as walking or jogging together.

If you would like more information about Neighborhood Watch contact Sgt. Yvonne Johnson at 728-7318.

Neighborhood watch is a way you can get involved and show your community spirit!

Investigation of fire on Parkwood Drive continues

A 9-1-1 call from a nearby residence was dispatched at 2:20 a.m. and within 2-3 minutes deputy Shaun McKee arrived on the scene.  Deputy McKee attempted entry into the upstairs area of the house after being told that someone may still be inside, but he was forced back by thick smoke and flames that engulfed the main area of the structure.

Deputies Jay Lawson and Tommy Kimsey arrived and the three forced open a basement door but thick smoke prevented their entry.

The Bradley County Volunteer Fire Department, the Polk County Volunteer Fire Department and the Cleveland Fire Department extinguished the fire in about an hour.

Three children and an adult female made it out of the residence safely while a male adult perished in the blaze.

An autopsy is planned at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

The victim has been identified as Steven C. Ogle, age 41.  His wife, Kelly Ogle, 37, climbed out of a bedroom window after she lowered their three daughters,  ages 5, 8 and 10, from the same window.   The investigation is continuing, and any future questions about the origin of the fire should be directed to the State Fire Marshall's Office .    

The citizens of Bradley County deserve a courteous and professional response by qualified personnel when they need the assistance of the sheriff’s office.

My goal is to hire the best qualified personnel we can find so we can continue building on the department we have that has achieved a reputation as one of the top county law enforcement agencies in the state of Tennessee.

Requirements for the position of law enforcement officer in Tennessee are spelled out in state law and by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, which we know as the POST Commission.  POST determines the training requirements of all full-time officers and all training must be documented in a timely manner.

The minimum standards for a full-time police officer, which the law defines as a person earning the bulk of their livelihood in this profession, takes into account the individuals background and formal education.  I should point out that POST Commission requirements include 40 hours of annual in-service that must be documented by the appropriate agency upon successful completion by the individual.   

Occasionally we have an inquiry about the state of Tennessee’s minimum standards for a deputy sheriff.     

1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Be a citizen of the United States;
3. Be a high school graduate or possess its equivalency which shall include a general educational development (GED) certificate;
4. Not have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge or to any violation of any federal or state laws or city ordinances relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances;
5. Not have been released or discharged under any other than honorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States;
6. Have their fingerprints on file with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation;
7. Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician;
8. Have a good moral character as determined by a thorough investigation conducted by the employing agency; and
9. Be free of all apparent mental disorders as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) of the American Psychiatric Association. An applicant must be certified as meeting these criteria by a qualified professional in the psychiatric or psychological field.

There are additional requirements of the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.   

Full-time law enforcement officers employed after July 1, 1982 must be certified by the commission for successful completion of a POST certified Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy.   

These requirements apply to every law enforcement office in the state as the minimum standards for employment.  Some agencies create more restrictive requirements and salaries and benefits vary across the state.

Pinning on a badge is much different than 30 years ago.  In those days almost anyone would qualify for the job because special training was not required.  Today pinning on the badge means a lot more – it represents being a part of a profession that recognizes ability, hard work, and professionalism.

Bradley County has many fine officers serving with the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, the Cleveland Police Department and the Charleston Police Department.  They are deserving of our appreciation for the job they do.

Tim Gobble
Bradley County Sheriff