“Gun crime means hard time.” You may have seen bumper stickers or bill boards with that message. It is part of a nationwide anti-crime campaign directed at educating the public about gun laws and warning anyone unwise enough to attempt using a gun in the commission of a felony that they will do hard time when caught.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is committed to reducing gun crime across the country through a national network that supports and assists local efforts. PSN began in 2001, and since then the federal government has committed over $1.5 billion to the program. The money is used to hire additional state and federal prosecutors, offer support to investigators, provide training, develop and promote local outreach programs and a number of other areas that support community efforts designed to reduce gun violence.

Here at the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office we have taken full advantage of the program ourselves through our warrant roundups, increased patrols, gun safety training, educating adults and juveniles about the consequences of gun crime and many other programs. We offer gun safety locks free of charge to any citizen who wants them (while supplies last) and our Explorer program teaches young people the importance of being responsible citizens.

I would like to congratulate the BCSO Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions for solving a number of area burglaries. Our investigators have been rigorous and proactive in their efforts to combat crime in Bradley County and it is showing in the number of investigations they have been clearing. Just last month alone, our detectives arrested ten people and cleared 21 business burglaries, one burglary to a residence, three vehicle thefts and a burglary at a former school site.

Obviously, effective criminal investigations is a team effort and I want to want to acknowledge the BCSO Patrol Division, the Cleveland City and Athens Police Departments and all other public safety personnel who contribute their time, energy and resources. Our Criminal Investigations Division will continue applying pressure on anyone who hopes to profit from burglary and other criminal activity in Bradley County.

I would also like to offer my congratulations to the BCSO Traffic Unit for taking top honors at the annual Law Enforcement Challenge in Nashville, which is a state-wide competition that recognizes city, county and state law enforcement agencies and military police for programs that promote highway safety. The Traffic Unit, under Lt. W. G. Campbell, took First Place for the best overall traffic safety program in Tennessee. This is the second time the BCSO Traffic Unit has received state and national recognition. I commend them all on a job well done.

For those of have been asking for it, I am pleased to announce that the BCSO Public Service Unit (PSU) has been formed and is now in operation. They are available to help folks who may have locked themselves out of their vehicles, as well as assisting the BCSO Patrol Division with funeral escorts. This assistance is greatly appreciated and frees up deputies to continue with regular patrol duties and answering calls. This is another way the BCSO is working to provide the highest level of service possible to the citizens of this county.

The PSU program is made up of volunteers who have received instruction in many types of car door locks and the correct way to unlock them. The PSU vehicle is clearly marked “Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Public Service Unit” so as to be easily distinguishable as a non-law enforcement vehicle. It is equipped with a radio and amber caution lights, which is standard for service vehicles. The PSU officers represent the BCSO whenever they are out in public and are due the same respect as a patrol deputy. Citizens have been asking that a public service unit be added to our volunteer program, and I am glad we have been able to accommodate those requests. Anyone needing assistance from the PSU should contact the 911 communications center.

I want to remind everyone to mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11. That is the date for the big Sheriff’s Family Day which will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. outside at Stuart School. There will be plenty of activities for the entire family, including live music, free food, prizes and giveaways, air toys, horseback rides, face painting and much more. There will also be plenty of public safety vehicles and exhibits, as well as the Life Force helicopter. We had a great turnout last year and we’re expecting even more people this year. Any non-profit organization wishing to have space to meet the public and distribute materials should contact J. M. Leonard at (423) 728-7321 to see if they qualify. The Sheriff’s Family Day promotes a strong anti-drug, pro-family message and we welcome community-oriented service groups. I look forward to seeing you all in person.

As ever, I encourage everyone to visit the BCSO web site to stay informed about important issues relevant to all Bradley County citizens. If you would like to contact us, you can call (423) 7287300, or write: 2290 Blythe Ave., SE, Cleveland TN 37311. You can email me directly at: comments@bradleysheriff.com