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