VOLUNTEER SERVICES PHILOSOPHY:
TO SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF BRADLEY COUNTY

Volunteers are utilized to supplement and expand upon the work of sworn deputies and civilian personnel. The BCSO Volunteer Programs are an opportunity for community members to offer their time, expertise and talent for the betterment of their community, quality of life, public safety and the general welfare.

Sheriff Tim Gobble has a vision to create community partnerships with groups of citizens throughout Braadley County. His goal is to establish and expand volunteer participation in a variety of programs to make Bradley County a better and safer place to live and work.

With the involvement of dedicated citizens, volunteerism within the BCSO will enhance the work of sworn officers and civilian personnel for the betterment of the Sheriff's Office, Bradley County and its citizens.

The BCSO has several programs which utilize volunteer services. These programs are ideal for anyone who may be considering a career in law enforcement or just wanting to better our community.

Special Deputy Church Protection Program - established July 2008
Defending The Innocent

President Teddy Roosevelt said, "If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness."

"As sheriff, I take my duty of protecting the citizens of our community to heart. As a man of faith, I am especially sensitive to any action that diminishes one’s ability to worship in freedom without fear of any aggressor.

"Therefore, in light of increased incidents of violence perpetrated against churches across the nation, I am using the powers of my office to establish the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program for Bradley County.  I am doing so to enhance a church’s ability to protect and defend the sanctity of their worship against armed intrusion and/or attack on church premises prior to the arrival of full-time law enforcement upon the scene.

"As sheriff, I have the authority to appoint special deputies who are assigned specific law enforcement functions, whether working alone or with full-time deputy sheriffs."

Special deputies working in the BCSO Special Deputy Church Protection Program must meet all the same minimum qualifications as a full-time deputy sheriff, but are not required to attend a police academy. They must successfully complete a background investigation and required training hours each year to maintain their appointment.

Any church desiring special deputies under this program must request the appointment of well-known, regularly attending members in good standing, who are trustworthy, mature and responsible. The church elders or other church governing body must sponsor the candidates in writing. Because of training requirements this program is currently limited to two participants per church and the organization must meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The church must have a physical meeting location for at least the last 12 months and a membership of at least 50 people. The BCSO will make the final determination as to acceptance into this program.

"I believe in the right of the innocent to defend themselves. That is why I am giving area churches this opportunity".

For more information and to obtain an application packet contact the BCSO at 423-728-7300, download the application packet by clicking HERE , or come by the Justice Center.

Reserve Deputy Program

The Reserve Deputy Program is an ongoing and highly successful aspect of the Sheriff's Office. Many of our full-time employees were a part of this program before they accepted full-time employment. The requirements for becoming a member of this program are no different than those of full-time employees. Training sessions are conducted at the Judicial Center on the second Monday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. The Reserve program is supervised by John Landolt.

Persons interested in becoming a part of the reserve program must complete and submit the same paperwork as applicants for full-time positions. Interviews are held prior to training sessions on the second Monday. They begin at five o'clock.

Applications are available in the lobby of the sheriff's office or clicking HERE .

Reserve Criminal Investigation Division Program

Persons chosen for this program can be called on to assist with the investigation of crimes and at crime scenes where their assistance is needed.

Senior Visitation Program

Lt.. W. G. Campbell oversees this unique program that helps ensure the safety of our senior population. Volunteers conduct in-home visits or make phone calls to the elderly who live alone or with another senior. It is beneficial for seniors who have no local relatives who can benefit by periodic contact with a representative of the sheriff's office. Since the program was conceived ten years ago, senior visitation has been one of the department's most accepted programs.

Anyone wishing to sign up for monthly contacts or who would like to become a volunteer can contact either Lt..Campbell or Public Information Officer Bob Gault at the BCSO Justice Center - 423-728-7300.

Sheriff’s Public Service Unit

The first Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Public Service Unit was formed during the summer of 2008 consisting of nine volunteers.

Members of the P-S-U are used to assist motorists when they are locked out of their vehicle with the keys inside. They use several tools that enable access to the locking mechanism inside the interior of a door.

The P-S-U is used to escort funeral processions between the funeral home and the cemetery to free patrol deputies for regular patrols of the zones where they are assigned.

P-S-U deputies use a vehicle that can easily be distinguished from those used in the patrol division. An amber-colored light-bar across the top is similar to other service vehicles and both sides are clearly marked "Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Public Service Unit"

If you need the P-S-U’s assistance, contact the Communications Center at 728-7311.

Explorers who completed CPR training with their instructors