We have reached the two-year mark of my first term as sheriff and by working together with many Bradley County residents, much good has been accomplished on behalf of all. I want to thank each member of the BCSO for their hard work and dedication as we continue to meet our mission of providing honest, fair, and professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Bradley County, while managing resources effectively to prevent and reduce crime.

Achieving measurable results is not always easy. I have ruffled some political feathers along the way, but anything worth achieving is worth the struggle and I appreciate the generous outpouring of support I and the BCSO regularly receive from Bradley County citizens.

In commemoration of my halfway mark, I thought it would be useful to briefly re-cap some of our most notable accomplishments over the last two years and let you know how these accomplishments will work toward building an even better BCSO for the future.

One of the most visible and effective accomplishments has been putting more deputies on the street patrolling and answering calls in our growing county. This was accomplished within the existing budget with no additional personnel. As a result, we have reduced crime in many significant areas because criminals are getting the message that the BCSO is proactively protecting people and property. Violent crimes are down, and theft and burglaries are down by 25 percent this year over last. For the first time in Bradley County history, our deputies can count on back-up, if needed, arriving within a few minutes; additionally, the overall average emergency response time has been reduced by two minutes since I took office. We are actually catching more criminals in the act because of our faster response time and increased presence, and those extra couple of minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

Upon taking office, I found much of the BCSO equipment and many of our vehicles to be out-dated and substandard. Almost all of our deputies were wearing bullet resistant vests that were threadbare and expired by as much as five years.  We had 33-plus patrol cars that exceeded 250,000 miles and were so old and rickety that they were breaking down constantly and could hardly pull a hill. One patrol car even had the engine fall out of it and catch fire while simply crossing a railroad track. On numerous occasions they would break down on calls or en route to calls.

Instead of ignoring the problem we met it head-on and through better management of resources we have upgraded all bullet-resistant vests and replaced over a dozen of our unsafe vehicles with modern, more fuel-efficient vehicles equipped with new technology and dash-mounted cameras to document crime and protect citizens. We still have at least nineteen cars on the road with over 250,000 miles showing on the odometer, but we have made progress and will continue to do so.

I inherited an operation where deputies’ salaries were, on average, 33 percent behind other regional law enforcement agencies of similar size and responsibility. But by better managing our resources and cutting top-heavy management, we have been able to increase patrol deputy starting pay from $24,000 per year to $31, 417, and corrections deputy starting pay from $24,000 per year to a little over $26,000. Although still behind the regional average, this at least puts our starting pay in the ballpark. This move was vital in order for us to continue attracting and retaining skilled, experienced employees. The short-term costs of competitive salaries will result in long-term benefits and savings to taxpayers as we reduce turnover, hiring and recruiting costs, re-training costs and re-equipping costs. Additionally, the BCSO will be able to do a better overall job of  protecting the public because of our increased ability to retain more experienced, knowledgeable and well-trained employees. This benefits everyone. We still have work to do, but progress has been made. Another area that needs to be addressed is the cost of family health insurance coverage for county employees. It is still too high, more than triple that of other regional law enforcement agencies.

I have always believed that open government is the best government and to this end, we have significantly improved open communications and information by launching one of the best law enforcement web-sites in the nation (www.bradleysheriff.com). Some of the features found on our web-site include press releases and mug shots, news stories, photo galleries, my weekly column, my twice-monthly radio program, and BCSOtv, where I communicate information about BCSO operations, policy and procedure. All this information is unfiltered and delivered directly to the public in a timely manner.

We recently instituted an “All Hands on Deck” program where BCSO top-ranking supervisors regularly go out in the community to meet and listen to people and learn how we can better serve citizens. It also affords an opportunity for management to get out in the field, backing up our deputies and keeping in touch with operational duties and needs.

We have formalized a fuel saving strategy without cutting services. We are also in the process of purchasing newer, more fuel-efficient cars with smaller engines for certain uses.

We have raised training standards across the board, resulting in better trained deputies and less potential liability for the county.

We have purchased and are utilizing an enhanced identification system to prevent unauthorized persons from obtaining BCSO badges and using them to impersonate law enforcement.

We have begun using “plain language” in radio transmissions to put the BCSO in compliance with National Homeland Security and National Incident Management System standards and to enhance our ability to obtain future Homeland Security grant funding.

There are many more accomplishments I want to share with you, but I am out of space for this week. I will continue this Progress Report next week.

Because of increased incidents of church violence across the nation and in keeping with my philosophy of proactive law enforcement and my desire to empower law abiding citizens with the ability to defend themselves, I have decided to establish the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program for Bradley County.

Basically, the program authorizes special deputies to serve as protectors of their respective church bodies. These deputies will be well-trained and have specific law enforcement powers, including the right to carry a gun. If a violent aggressor comes into their congregation and opens fire, the special deputy will be on the scene with a level of  training and means to take action that will hopefully bring the situation to an immediate stop.

The program will be regulated by strict guidelines. Special deputies will have to pass a background investigation, meet the same minimum qualifications as a fulltime deputy sheriff (with the exception of having to attend a police academy), and complete 40 hours of in-service training each year covering many aspects of commonsense security measures. Special deputies will also have to show proof of a bond, as any liability pursuant to State law will remain with the individual or organization.

To qualify for the BCSO program, a church must meet 501(c)(3) requirements, have had a physical meeting location for at least the last 12 months, and an attendance of at least 50 people. Initially, churches will be limited to two special deputies which will be selected from wellknown, regularly-attending church members who are in good standing, and who are trustworthy, mature and responsible.

I understand this program isn’t for every church, as some already have armed security, some may be satisfied with members having concealed carry permits, some have regularly attending off-duty law enforcement, and some may not desire such a program. But, as a firm believer in our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for our own protection, I want every church in Bradley County that would like such a partnership with the BCSO to have the option available to them. The program is purely voluntary and offered as a means of safe-guarding our worship services from armed intruders and a level of training that may not be available otherwise.

I have always encouraged a strong partnership between the community and public service agencies. History has shown that Americans excel when we take responsibility for ourselves, our families and our property instead of depending on the government to do everything for us. That is not to say people should take the law into their own hands ~ they most certainly should not. But through the cooperative efforts of community watch groups, through events like last week’s Night Out Against Crime, and through programs like this one, we can send a strong, unified and effective message that in Bradley County we will not tolerate or allow ourselves to live in fear of violent criminals.

Having the possibility of quick armed intervention to stop a church shooter before full-time law enforcement arrives is something all churches should consider. Statistically, the chances of a violent shooting occurring in church are remote, but it can and has happened. If this program helps save a life or prevent a shooting, it will be worth it. An armed and trained citizenry is the best defense against crime.

For more information about the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program, or if you would like to obtain an application packet, contact the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 7287300 or download the application packet from the “Volunteer Programs” section at the BCSO web site.

In closing, I am happy to announce that this year’s Sheriff’s Family Day is set for Saturday, October 11th, at Stuart School and I hope you will all clear your calendars so you can be with us. Last year’s Family Day was a huge success and we are expecting this year to be even bigger. I will be talking more about the Sheriff’s Family Day in weeks to come, but I just want you to know the date in plenty of time so you can make plans to be there with us.

As ever, if you would like to contact us, you can call the number listed above, or write: 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. You can email me directly at: comments@bradleysheriff.com

|July 31, 2008

Dear Finance Committee:

I am in receipt of your memo dated, July 28, 2008, in which you request a copy of the BCSO fuel conservation policy, our fuel reduction goals and monthly reports detailing how we are meeting these goals for you to review and discuss at county commission meetings.

Included herein is a copy of my on-going fuel savings initiatives. Many of these initiatives were implemented when I first became sheriff in September of 2006. These policies are already public record, having been previously published and reported on in the Chattanooga media market. They have also been available at the BCSO web site (http://www.bradleysheriff.com). Since these initiatives have been in place for some time and are already a matter of public record, the target date you set for implementing them (August 15, 2008) is invalid and irrelevant.

However, I am publicly re-releasing this information again for the benefit of all Bradley County citizens so they will more completely understand the mission of the BCSO and how our policies and practices are necessary to support that mission. I have always believed that open government is the best government and have operated the BCSO accordingly.

It is the mission of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office to provide honest, fair and professional law enforcement services to the citizens of Bradley County, while managing resources effectively to prevent and reduce crime. In keeping with this mission, the BCSO limits take-home vehicles to personnel who live in Bradley County and are required to respond to emergencies while off-duty. In addition, I have reduced the BCSO in-use fleet size by 22 vehicles since I took office. Statistically, the size of the current BCSO fleet is in line with other law enforcement agencies of similar size, mission and responsibility.

It is BCSO policy to restrict deputies’ use of official vehicles to official business. Some limited personal use is allowed, but only if that personal use is directly incidental to a deputy’s employment responsibilities. For example, if a deputy needs to mail a letter while on duty, they may do so as long as the stop they make is reasonably located along a route or in the patrol zone, they are assigned. 

The drive-home policy is not for the benefit of the employee ~ it is for the benefit and safety of the citizens of Bradley County. Incidentally, the IRS does not consider take-home emergency vehicles that are restricted in the manner I have described as personal income or a benefit to the employee.

As sheriff of Bradley County, I am constitutionally and statutorily responsible for the safety and well-being of a growing population of approximately 100,000 citizens in a 333 square mile area. BCSO deputies are charged with investigating crime, apprehending criminals, operating a 408-bed jail, protecting 13 different courts in three separate locations, serving warrants, patrolling the roads, preventing and deterring crime, responding to calls and being prepared to handle a host of other emergencies and/or disasters, whether man-made or natural. Unfortunately, crime and mishap don’t punch a clock or keep regular hours. Law enforcement and emergency personal must be on the job 24/7, 365 days a year, without exception.

This past week, the BCSO launched our first ever “All Hands On Deck” campaign, where all deputies with the rank of lieutenant and above hit the streets to spend their Saturday on patrol, meeting and speaking with the citizens of Bradley County, handing out business cards, backing up deputies and just generally looking for better ways to serve the community.

he reason I implemented this project was simple ~ I want high-ranking deputies to occasionally get out from behind their desks and get behind the wheel of a patrol car. I want them to maintain their connection with the community, with the day-to-day obligations of the rank-and-file patrol deputies, and find ways their divisions can better serve the citizens of Bradley County.

I routinely patrol the county and offer back-up and assistance to deputies because I enjoy the hands-on aspects of law enforcement. If I have the choice of sitting at a desk or working the field, I will choose the field every time. Chief Deputy Bill Dyer and I teamed up in one car so as to save fuel. I enjoy spending time with Chief Dyer because I respect his experience, intelligence and candor. I especially enjoyed watching him interact with the citizens of Bradley County during the "All Hands On Deck"  program, receiving their suggestions and making note of their concerns. I know I made the right choice in selecting him as Chief Deputy. Thanks, Bill.

The response of the community was also very positive. People seemed genuinely glad to see us. We stopped by the farmers market, yard sales, private homes, folks on the street ... everywhere we went, we were met by people who were pleased that we were out and about in their neighborhoods. Several expressed a greater sense of security in having the BCSO show an interest in their area. I appreciate so many people supporting our efforts and passing information to us that we might not have otherwise received. According to TBI reports, Bradley County burglaries and thefts were down by 25 percent in 2007 over 2006, and we are continuing that trend. Some of our seniors feel like crime has gotten worse since they were youngsters and expressed their appreciation for what we are doing.

No one knows better what goes on in any particular neighborhood than the ones who live there. People see things in the community we don’t see. They are our eyes and ears and we want to have a positive relationship with them. It's that personal touch you can't get sitting in an office. We actually received a lot of helpful information and I will see that every tip we received will be looked into and followed up on. If you witness anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in your area, pick up the phone and call 728-7272; or if it is an emergency, call 911. Crime will never be completely eradicated, but we are working daily to keep it in check. "All Hands On Deck" is a good example of our efforts.

And the timing of the "All Hands On Deck" operation seems right, too, because the BCSO is just about to launch the Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative the beginning of August. Project Safe Neighborhood directly addresses the partnership between community and law enforcement. It is a great program and I will be talking more about it in weeks to come. Meanwhile, we feel "All Hands on Deck" was another success for the BCSO and will definitely be holding more events like this.

My thanks go out to the Chattanooga Times Free-Press, The Chattanoogan web site and WDEF News 12 for their excellent coverage of the event. The Times Free-Press even wrote a very positive editorial about it.