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Written by Tim Gobble, Sheriff
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Tuesday, 05 February 2008 |
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A Statement From Sheriff Tim Gobble Dear Citizens: In order to save gasoline without cutting services, the BCSO must first have been wasting gasoline. Since the BCSO has not been wasting gasoline, the only way to save would be to cut the level of existing services. This is something I am not willing to do because it will jeopardize your personal safety, the safety of the community as a whole and the safety of the BCSO deputies who do a very difficult and dangerous job.
Recently, a county commissioner cited in a public meeting that on one occasion he observed a patrol car idling while on a call and claimed this was evidence the BCSO was wasting money. There are many legitimate reasons why patrol cars may be left idling while the deputy is away. For one, the deputy may have needed quick, reliable access to the police radio or NCIC computer. Maybe there was a K-9 in the car that needed cool air. Maybe the deputy needed to have the blue lights activated for official purposes or to promote public safety.
Studies show that an idling vehicle consumes approximately one gallon of gas per hour (around $2.60, county pricing). While the BCSO routinely strives to conserve energy, an incident such as the one cited by the county commissioner seems more designed for political grandstanding as opposed to genuine concern for conservation. It is very rare for any BCSO vehicle to be left running for any extended period without a legitimate public safety related purpose. |
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Written by Staff Reports
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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
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In regard to a recommendation made during a meeting of the Bradley County Commission’s Finance Committee on Wednesday, February 6 to park two drug interdiction vehicles in order to preserve fuel, I feel as Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division I must respond. These two vehicles were purchased with funds seized by this department during drug related arrests and were the best type of vehicle after reviewing several different options prior to purchase. To date there have been 40 vehicles purchased from the drug fund, including all vehicles used in the Criminal Investigation Division. Twenty-one percent of the lease for the Sheriff’s Department vehicle repair garage is also currently being paid from this fund as well as the purchase of the Major Crime Scene Command Post, which I am sure everyone realizes the benefit of this unit during long hours spent at crime scenes. There are 6 salaries, including benefits, paid from this fund for my department rather than coming from the Sheriff’s Department budget. There have also been one-time purchases made from this account as well. To park 2 vehicles that are generating funds that are helping to off set costs to the county would simply be irresponsible. Not only would this decrease needed revenue but could possibly allow drug traffic, which would be our greatest concern. Over the past year we have seen a decline of home burglaries in our county by 30% and an increase of over 50% in arrests for those burglaries. Therefore, when the efficiency of this department was questioned during Monday’s meeting, I feel this was unjust and without proper knowledge. This division has actually reduced its gasoline consumption from last year. Unfortunately our county has become somewhat dependent on revenue the drug fund has provided over previous years and hopefully we will be able to address those concerns in the future. But to remove these vehicles from our streets could possibly allow an influx of drugs through and into our county, which is NOT an option. The sheriff and I remain fully committed to the war on drugs in Bradley County. As always, if Sheriff Gobble or I can be of any assistance to our Finance Committee regarding the Criminal Investigations Division or any other BCSO matter, we remain available. Steve Lawson Captain, Criminal Investigations Division |
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Written by Bob Gault, Public Information Office
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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
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Jermaine Lee Robinson is currently being held at the Bradley County Justice Center on charges stemming from an investigation by the Cleveland Police Department on Blount Avenue last Saturday.  Jermaine Lee Robinson |
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Written by Bob Gault, Public Information Office
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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
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An investigation of the theft of cattle from a farm on Wilkerson Road led to the arrest of a suspect.  Brandon Scott Blankenship Blankenship was charged by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office with Theft over $1,000 and Criminal Trespass. Calfee placed the value of his cows at $2,400. |
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Written by Bob Gault, Public Information Office
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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
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The former bookkeeper for a trucking company that last year reported the theft of approximately $100,000 was arrested today by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.  Kimberly Mims Mims, 36, of Plantation Drive, is charged with Theft over $60,000, Violation of the Tennessee Computer Crimes Act, Money Laundering, all class B felonies, and six counts of Forgery, class E felonies. Bond was set at $50,000. Company officials discovered the loss and notified the sheriff’s office in December. |
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