Like many other law enforcement agencies around the area, the BCSO has applied for a COPS Grant to fund new and much-needed deputy positions. Bradley County has seen steady growth over the years and with the new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga and Wacker Chemie locating here in Bradley County, that growth is going to increase.

The COPS Grant, which requires no matching money on our end, is funded for three years and must be retained for at least 12 months after the grant concludes. The grant providers require this money be used for road deputies who respond to emergencies, deter crime and answer calls for service. The money cannot be used to increase existing officers’ salaries, to fund existing positions, or to hire court security or corrections officers.

Hamilton County sheriff Jim Hammond has applied for 20 new deputies under the COPS grant, and Chattanooga police chief Freeman Cooper has asked for 50 new police officers. While much of the stimulus money coming out of Washington is being spent in a frivolous and even reckless manner, the COPS money is being spent exactly as it should be ~ to help protect the citizens of this country from criminal activity.

In fact, according to a news article in Wednesday’s Times Free Press (4-15-09), Chattanooga’s city council described the COPS grant as “a good investment,” and “a pre-emptive measure (that could) be put to very good use and get (the Chattanooga P.D.) ramped up and ready for more businesses, more residents.” The same would be true here.

Several years ago, Bradley County attained Metropolitan status. That was a clear confirmation that we are no longer a sleepy little Southern community. Our population today is on the verge of passing the 100,000 mark. All these things, coupled with new industry and continued growth, make it clear we cannot keep operating the BCSO Patrol Division at 1980 levels. We have to adjust and grow as our population grows.

I have requested four new deputy positions under the COPS grant. These four positions are essential to keep up with county growth and will be well worth it in terms of deterring and preventing crime in our area. Since becoming sheriff, I have endeavored to keep the BCSO on the forefront of technology and other advances in law enforcement. We have been successful in helping reduce crime in the county and successfully clearing cases. But the bottom line remains a need for more manpower.

Current population estimates and anticipated growth figures actually indicate we are approximately 16 patrol positions short for a jurisdiction of our size and with our responsibilities. However, I have only requested four positions in this grant in an effort not to overburden the budget when the county  has to pick up the cost after three years.

I feel the BCSO has done a good job in effectively managing resources, reducing top-heavy management and putting more patrol deputies out on the road from existing resources. But there is only so far existing resources can be stretched. It is my hope that the Bradley County commissioners, like so many other local governing bodies, will recognize the benefits and advantages of this COPS grant and, if awarded, accept these positions.